IMO and the UNEP will jointly organize, with financial support from Norway,

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will jointly organize, with financial support from Norway, a Maritime Zero- and Low-Emission Innovation Forum in June 2021.

The aim is to bring together interested stakeholders to showcase the latest developments in research and development which support the decarbonization of the maritime sector, in line with the IMO Initial GHG Strategy.

The Forum will address key innovation and R&D challenges and identify opportunities that can help transform the maritime sector towards a zero- and low-emission future.

A range of stakeholders

A range of stakeholders will be invited to exchange information on the latest developments and best practices, to build and catalyze collaboration and innovation for climate action in the maritime sector. The forum will be held at IMO Headquarters in London, if feasible (or virtually if the in-person event is not possible).

Participants are expected to include: international policymakers, maritime, climate change/environmental administrations, technology developers, maritime industry, relevant research institutions, academia, and ports.

Championing innovation

It is intended that the Forum could be the first in a series of global, regional, and national events aimed at championing innovation to accelerate the transition of the maritime sector towards a zero- or low- emission future, promoting innovative solutions that are especially appropriate for developing countries, with a specific emphasis on the needs of SIDS and LDCs.

Further information, including calls for papers and registration, will be made available through the IMO website.

The agreement to organize the Forum was signed by IMO and UNEP on 13 November 2020

press release