What is the IMO GHG Strategy, and where does the GFI fit in it?
Short answer
| Layer | What |
|---|---|
| 2023 Strategy (MEPC.377(80)) | net-zero by or around 2050; at least 20% (striving for 30%) less by 2030 and 70% (80%) by 2040 against 2008; 5% to 10% zero or near-zero fuels by 2030; carbon intensity down 40% by 2030 |
| Existing measures (Annex VI chapter 4) | EEDI, EEXI, SEEMP, DCS, CII rated A to E |
| Mid-term: IMO Net-Zero Framework | GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) standard, well-to-wake, plus GHG pricing: remedial units for a deficit, surplus units for over-compliance, an IMO Net-Zero Fund |
- Layer 1, the 2023 Strategy (MEPC.377(80)): net-zero by or around 2050; at least 20% (striving for 30%) less by 2030, 70% (80%) by 2040, against 2008; 5% to 10% zero or near-zero fuels by 2030.
- Layer 2, existing measures: EEDI (regulation 22), EEXI (23, 25), SEEMP (26) with the CII plan, DCS (27), CII (28) rated A to E and tightening yearly.
- Layer 3, the IMO Net-Zero Framework (MEPC 83, 2025): the GFI standard cuts the well-to-wake GHG intensity of the energy used by ships of 5,000 GT and above, with a base and a stricter direct-compliance target.
- Pricing: above the target, remedial units for the deficit; below the direct-compliance target, surplus units; revenue to an IMO Net-Zero Fund for zero-GHG fuels and developing countries.
- Trap: the GFI is only the technical half of the framework, and the framework only part of the strategy: design, operation, fuel, pricing.
- As Chief Engineer: the existing measures are already mine (EEXI, SEEMP, DCS, CII); India applies them through the MS Act 2025.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.