A group of Pacific states known as 6-PAC, is leading the call for the shipping industry to align itself with the 1.5 degrees climate target on 28 June.

RNZ stated that 6-PAC asked for the 175 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states to be more ambitious in cutting pollution from ships. The global climate target aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2100.

East-West Center fellow, John Taukave who provides research support to the 6-PAC, said it was crucial that the Pacific's submissions were at least partially adopted in London.

"This alliance is recognised as being catalytic to keeping 1.5 degrees alive in these critical negotiations, and is progressing, the only policy package that is fully 1.5 aligned," Taukave said during a panel discussion hosted by Pacific Islands Climate Action Network.

He also said the IMO's current goal to meaningfully reduce pollution was "grossly inadequate".

Legal advisor to Tonga's High Commission in London, John Kautoke also provide research support to the group. "This text as it stands is problematic due to its ambiguity and lack of direction," he said.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is meeting for the next two weeks for a climate summit to finalise a strategy to decarbonise the sector, as well as discuss a potential new carbon levy in London.

The IMO secretary-general, Kitack Lim said that 2023 is their year of decisive climate action in his opening remarks at the Inter-sessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) on 26 June.

The 6-PAC is also calling for an equitable transition away from fossil fuels, one that leaves no nation behind, stated RNZ.

However, 6PAC is a nickname given to the six Pacific Island countries in 2015. 

The original 6-PAC members includes Tonga, the Marshall Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati. Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Samoa joined the group later.