Pressure is growing for more ambitious decarbonisation targets. Efficiency looks doable, and there are other, smaller ways shipping can better measure and reduce its emissions. But the bigger goal of future fuels looks vexing as ever

Black carbon pollution in the Arctic makes up a growing share of shipping’s contribution to climate change. Regulation is still far off, despite a decade of lobbying. But tackling black carbon offers shipping a relatively easy way to make a meaningful difference — and to be seen to do so

Faced with inaction at the IMO, green groups said they would turn to the EU or Arctic Council to push black carbon emissions cuts

The IMO’s pollution subcommittee failed to agree on measures to control black carbon emissions from shipping in the Arctic, to green groups’ dismay. States said more studies and debate were needed before rules could be set, despite warnings of soaring pollution from ships

Environment groups have called on the International Maritime Organization to make ships switch from residual fuels to distillates in the Arctic to reduce black carbon emissions. Member states were more cautious, saying more information was needed before rules could be set

Alandia, a marine insurer, is hoping that designs for new icebreakers will be approved soon. It is calling for environmental changes and operational decisions to be understood and factored into plans.