New Climate Agreement for the Maritime Industry: Legal Challenges and Opportunities of the International Regulatory Framework for Developing Countries like Georgia

Abstract

The maritime transport, predominantly powered by fossil fuels, accounts for an estimated 2–3% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. This figure projected to rise in the coming decades.
Against the backdrop of accelerating climate change, the maritime sector’s contribution to global emissions has become a critical concern for both international legal frameworks and national policy agendas. This article explores the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping, focusing on its implications for developing nations, with Georgia serving as a case study.
It examines core international legal instruments, including strategies set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and regulatory approaches introduced by the European Union. Particular attention is given to the challenges Georgia faces in meeting its climate commitments and to the role of international technical cooperation initiatives, such as GloMEEP and GreenVoyage2050, in supporting national compliance efforts.
The article aims to identify existing legal and institutional gaps and to propose actionable recommendations to foster a more sustainable maritime transport policy in Georgia, thereby enhancing its engagement as a responsible international stakeholder.