June 23, 2025
The IMO is on track to adopt new mandatory regulations later this year to decarbonize shipping, the UN June Climate Meeting (16-26 June) in Bonn was told.
IMO’s submission highlighted that in April this year, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) finalized and approved the “IMO Net-Zero Framework”, including draft regulations that will translate global climate commitments into mandatory requirements for all ships engaged in international navigation.
The legal text for the IMO Net-Zero Framework will be considered for final adoption when IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meets in London from 13 to 17 October. Once adopted, the regulations are expected to enter into force 16 months later (i.e. in March 2027), at which point governments will be responsible for enforcing them.
The IMO Net-Zero Framework consists of two complementary elements:
- a global fuel standard, requiring ships to reduce, over time, their annual GHG fuel intensity, i.e. how much GHG is emitted for each unit of energy used, calculated on a ‘well-to-wake’ basis; and
- a global economic measure that sets prices on ship emissions, to encourage the industry to lower emissions.
Ships emitting above certain thresholds must balance the deficit by paying into the IMO Net-Zero Fund. This revenue will be allocated to reward ships using zero and near-zero fuels, and support initiatives that target innovation and research, infrastructure, technology transfer and ensuring just transition, taking into account the needs of developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Other key issues
The IMO Net-Zero Framework also introduces provisions for the certification of sustainable marine fuels; the establishment of a central Registry; and actions to address negative impacts on food security.
In parallel, work progresses on various issues, such as:
- sustainability and life cycle assessment of marine fuels;
- further development of energy efficiency regulations;
- the use of Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage; and
- development of safety regulations for ships and seafarers using new technologies and fuels.
Finally, as stated, technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives dedicated to climate action in the shipping sector will be enhanced, in close collaboration with ports, renewable energy producers and maritime education institutions.
