- Subnational leaders from London, Oslo, and Los Angeles will spotlight how their cities are tackling maritime climate action.
- Cities and ports are accelerating the shift to clean energy and shipping fuels, fostering inclusive dialogue with workers and local communities to generate green jobs.
London, United Kingdom (28 April 2026) – From charging infrastructure and municipal climate budgets to green shipping corridors and clean fuel pathways, port cities will showcase their transformative climate solutions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the first time this evening.
Following the IMO meeting in October 2025, where a vote to adopt the organisation’s Net-Zero Framework was stalled, the 84th Marine Protection Environment Committee (MEPC) got underway in London earlier this week.
IMO member states – tasked with reaching consensus – are determining how the global shipping industry will proceed with tackling greenhouse gas emissions and marine pollution.
For the first time in IMO history, port cities will tonight showcase their innovative climate solutions in an event co-hosted by C40 Cities and the International Association of Ports and Harbors. London, Oslo, and Los Angeles are sharing a wide range of city and port measures, from leveraging multilevel and cross-value chain partnerships to electrifying port operations, investing in clean fuel infrastructure, and promoting workforce development programmes.
Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy Mete Coban MBE said, “As the home-city to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters, London is pleased to join local leaders at the IMO to shine a spotlight on climate leadership. Cities are at the frontline of the climate crisis and it’s essential we work together to tackle it. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through shipping is crucial and something we must prioritise as we continue building a greener, better London for everyone.”
Vice Mayor of Oslo for Urban Development Anita Leirvik North said, “Oslo’s climate strategy aligns the municipality and port’s climate objectives. This joint collaboration has led to the zero-emissions port plan, which is scaling shore power and electrifying cargo-handling equipment and land transport. The city’s leading climate budget is also translating climate targets into measurable outcomes. This is creating green jobs and building a more resilient city for everyone.”
C40’s Director of Ports and Shipping Alisa Kreynes said, “Port cities are not only tackling the climate crisis, they are also serving as major nodes of global trade. Today, London, Oslo, and Los Angeles bring a new and vital dimension to the IMO’s work – illustrating how climate solutions can jointly protect local communities, cut emissions, and enhance supply chains. Implementation guidelines at the IMO must now follow this same ambition.”