Parties to the London Convention and London Protocol (LC 48/LP 21) under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have adopted formal assessment frameworks for three marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques: ocean fertilization, ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), and the ocean sinking of biomass.

Announced following the annual meeting in London, the resolution establishes a structured procedure for national regulators to evaluate proposals on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to determine whether proposed offshore trials constitute legitimate scientific research or represent unproven ocean dumping activities.

The frameworks cover the full project lifecycle, from initial screening and environmental risk assessments to risk management, stakeholder consultations, and post-project monitoring.

The decision establishes that activities beyond the research stage cannot be considered at present, reinforcing a precautionary approach to marine geoengineering across international waters.

The guidance is expected to directly impact the emerging market for ocean-based carbon removal credits.

Environmental organizations, including the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), interpret the criteria as barring projects designed primarily to generate or sell carbon offsets from qualifying as legitimate scientific research. 

However, draft texts suggest that payment for direct services rendered during experimental trials may remain permissible.

Crucially, these assessment frameworks apply strictly to surface and water-column marine geoengineering, operating under different rules than offshore geological carbon capture and storage (CCS) in sub-seabed formations.

While the binding 2013 amendments to the London Protocol remain pending full international ratification, member states are expected to use these newly adopted frameworks as best-practice guidance within domestic permitting processes.

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