China has called for faster global action on regulating onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) in the shipping industry, warning
China has called for faster global action on regulating onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) in the shipping industry, warning that delays could slow progress toward maritime decarbonization.
In a submission to the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s 84th session, the country urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to accelerate development of a regulatory framework, proposing approval of initial guidelines as early as 2026 and full completion by 2028. The proposal also highlights the need for an “experience-building phase,” allowing rules to evolve alongside real-world deployment of the technology.
Simplified environmental control framework proposed
A central element of China’s position is a streamlined approach to environmental control. Rather than introducing complex discharge standards or mandatory risk assessments for each vessel, it suggests a “reporting–verification–prevention” system. Under this model, manufacturers would disclose potential emissions and by-products, which would then be verified by authorities, while harmful discharges into the sea would be prohibited during normal operations. Captured carbon and by-products would be stored onboard and transferred to shore facilities, reflecting a stricter stance on operational pollution.
Call for flexible carbon disposal pathways
The submission also pushes for broader flexibility in how captured carbon is handled. While current discussions have focused heavily on sub-seabed storage, China advocates expanding options to include onshore sequestration and industrial reuse. It further argues that non-marine disposal methods should fall under national regulations rather than international conventions, aiming to reduce legal uncertainty and encourage innovation in carbon management solutions.
Focus on technical standards and real-time monitoring
On the technical side, China recommends narrowing the scope of OCCS guidelines to equipment testing, certification, and monitoring, leaving emissions accounting to existing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) frameworks. It favors real-time data monitoring over estimated calculations, saying this would provide more accurate and transparent insights into system performance.
Integration with existing IMO reporting systems
To reduce administrative burden, the proposal also calls for integrating OCCS data into existing IMO reporting systems, avoiding the need for separate reporting mechanisms.
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