COP29. Global shipping tax: transport decarbonisation and climate finance for vulnerable countries

The maritime sector remains one of the few industries that has largely evaded meaningful climate taxation, despite its significant carbon footprint. As efforts to meet climate goals intensify, the decarbonisation of the shipping industry is becoming increasingly urgent. 

Since the early 2020s, discussions on the introduction of a carbon tax on shipping have been gathering momentum. Following on from the Sharm el-Sheikh implementation plan (COP27) and the Bridgetown agenda, the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris in June 2023 and the preparation of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville in 2025 has put innovative sources of financing back at the heart of the negotiations. 

The panel will examine a range of regional and global policy initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon emissions of the maritime sector, recognizing that a multi-faceted approach is needed to address this global challenge. Among the key strategies to be discussed is the implementation of a shipping tax, which holds significant potential as a dual-purpose tool. 

Introductory remarks and moderation: Vianney Dequiedt, Scientific director; FERDI

Opening Remarks : Lord Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Growth Minister, United Kingdom 

Online presentation:

• Jacob Armstrong, Shipping Policy Manager at Transport & Environment (T&E)
• Polona Gregorin, Head of Unit at DG Climate Action at European Commission 

Panelists:

• Cristelle Pratt, Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
• Roel Hoenders, Head of Climate Action and Clean Air at IMO (International Maritime Organization)
• Araceli Fernandez Pales, Head of the Technology Innovation Unit at IEA (International Energy Agency)
• Tom Evans, Senior Associate, Global Solidarity Levies Task Force at European Climate Foundation (ECF)