Shipping expert cautions Nigeria, other African countries on IMO MEPC 84/ ISWG-GHG 21

A notable shipping expert, Captain Ladi Olubowale, has stated that for Africa, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) MEPC 84/ISWG-GHG 21 is more than a policy discussion but a strategic moment that will determine the continent’s position in the future maritime.

Captain Ladi Olubowale, who is the immediate past president of African Shipowners Association (ASA), noted that under the IMO MEPC 84/ISWG-GHG 21, the advancement of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework through amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, negotiations on mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures such as carbon pricing and fuel standards, and the development of implementation guidelines would be considered.

Olubowale maintained that the IMO MEPC 84/ISWG-GHG 21 decisions will influence not only environmental compliance, but the very economics of global trade and shipping, calling on African countries and stakeholders to speak with one strong voice in view of the limited Africa’s influence in global maritime decision-making.

Captain Olubowale, who is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors at Seamate Group, articulated this position in a paper on how Africa can navigate various decisions in the IMO MEPC 84/ISWG-GHG 21 for the advancement of shipping in the continent.

The paper is titled IMO MEPC 84/ ISWG-GHG 21: From Participation to Influence: The Need for a Collective Africa Voice.

He posited that these decisions will directly affect the cost of transporting African goods, food security access to global markets, and the competitiveness of African shipping and trade. He therefore warned that without a strong and coordinated voice, Africa risks bearing disproportionate costs in a transition it did not initiate.

In the paper, he said “The global maritime industry is at a defining crossroads. As the International Maritime Organization convenes MEPC 84 alongside ISWG-GHG 21, the decisions being shaped will influence not only environmental compliance, but the very economics of global trade and shipping.

“For Africa, this is more than a policy discussion, it is a strategic moment that will determine the continent’s position in the future maritime. Africa plays a vital role in global shipping. However, Africa’s influence in global maritime decision-making has often been limited by fragmented representation and lack of coordinated engagement.

“This moment demands a shift. At MEPC 84, several critical agenda items are under consideration. These include the advancement of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework through amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, negotiations on mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures such as carbon pricing and fuel standards, and the development of implementation guidelines that will determine how these regulations are applied globally. The meeting will also address energy efficiency measures, carbon intensity requirements, and broader environmental issues such as marine pollution and sustainability.”

Adding “These elements are not abstract regulatory discussions. They are decisions that will directly affect the cost of transporting African goods, Food security access to global markets, and the competitiveness of African shipping and trade. Without a strong and coordinated voice, Africa risks bearing disproportionate costs in a transition it did not initiate.

“This is why an Africa Technical, Policy and trade interest lens are essential. Decarbonization must be pursued in a way that is fair and inclusive. Africa must advocate for implementation pathways that reflect its infrastructure gaps, financing constraints, and development priorities. The continent must also position itself strategically to benefit from emerging opportunities, including becoming a future hub for low-carbon and alternative fuels.

“This is where the Professional African Technical Network Advisory (PATNA) Initiative plays a critical role. PATNA is helping to structure Africa’s engagement by providing technical expertise, policy support, and strategic coordination. It is working to ensure that African perspectives are not only present, but clearly articulated, evidence-based, and aligned across stakeholders. Positioning for influence, supporting unified positions, enhancing negotiation capacity, and advocating for a fair and development-sensitive maritime transition.

“The message is clear: if Africa is not actively shaping these decisions, Africa will be shaped by them. This is a call for alignment and action. Governments, shipowners, regulators, and private sector stakeholders across the continent must come together, support coordinated platforms like PATNA, and commit to speaking with one strong voice.”