The international legal and practical development of shipping decarbonization: China’s perspective

The impact of climate change on the environment has led to increasing demands for the decarbonization of the shipping industry. The Climate Change Advisory Opinion has further drawn attention to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in various countries. As a major shipping nation, China’s role in this process cannot be ignored. Despite international efforts, the extent to which China can and will contribute to shipping decarbonization remains a critical question. The paper provides a contemporary overview of several aspects of the decarbonization of the shipping industry, with a particular focus on China’s position on certain national regulations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). By examining legal developments and international practices in shipping decarbonization, this paper aims to demonstrate China’s active participation and contribution to this global effort. Firstly, the paper reviews the IMO’s progressive development of shipping decarbonization regulations and China’s contribution to legislative practices. Secondly, it defines three main issues in shipping decarbonization and analyzes China’s stance on these challenges. Finally, the article proposes potential solutions and discusses China’s facilitating role in the international cooperation on shipping decarbonization.