TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) is considering implementing a greenhouse gas emission tax on the maritime industry starting in 2027, potentially making it the first sector globally to be subjected to a mandatory carbon fee.
Maritime transport accounts for approximately 2.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the industry has largely been exempt from related taxes due to the lack of jurisdiction over international waters.
If the IMO proceeds with the carbon tax, it could encourage shipowners to adopt more environmentally friendly measures. The IMO could also use the potential annual revenue of US$100 billion from this new source to assist poor countries in dealing with climate change.
Despite the 2027 timeline, there are still uncertainties about how the tax will be implemented and its potential impact on the maritime industry. Maritime transport accounts for 80% of global trade, emitting over a billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said in London, "We will definitely establish a pricing mechanism, I have no doubt about that."