By
Alex Smith |
Global shipping organisations have issued a joint statement urging International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States to reach agreement on a global framework for greenhouse gas regulations ahead of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) meeting.
The statement was made on behalf of the Baltic and International Maritime Council, Cruise Lines International Association, the International Chamber of Shipping, Intercargo, Interferry, Intertanko and the World Shipping Council, representing the global commercial shipping fleet. It follows the postponement in October 2025 of the adoption of new IMO greenhouse gas regulations, which had been expected to introduce a combination of technical and economic measures to reduce emissions in line with the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. These include a global fuel standard to progressively lower the carbon intensity of marine fuels, alongside a market-based mechanism intended to apply a price signal to greenhouse gas emissions.
The organisations reaffirmed their support for the International Maritime Organization as the global regulator for international shipping and referenced the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. They noted that the industry has committed significant investment towards alternative fuels and technologies.
The statement calls for practical measures with consistent global application and cautions against overlapping regional or national decarbonisation frameworks, which could result in multiple penalties being applied to the same emissions. Member States are encouraged to consider all options to reach a global agreement.
It also highlights the need for progress on technical areas including fuel lifecycle assessment and certification, stating that these should provide the basis for any regulatory measures. The organisations note that some elements may be addressed through regulation, while others could be developed through IMO guidelines.
The statement emphasises that decision-making should be data-driven and fuel- and technology-neutral, taking into account the availability and safety of alternative fuels, and focused on maritime decarbonisation.
It further states that any measures adopted should support the continued use of transitional fuels, including LNG, LPG and sustainable biofuel blends, as well as other alternatives such as e-fuels, biomethanol, biomethane, sustainable bioethanol and ammonia. Technologies referenced include wind propulsion, battery storage, shore power, nuclear energy and onboard carbon capture. The organisations note that, while some of these options present safety and feasibility considerations, they may contribute to emissions reduction.
The organisations also state that IMO requirements should provide regulatory certainty and support the development of fuel supply, while ensuring that enforcement is practicable and maintains a level playing field.
The statement concludes that decarbonisation of the maritime sector requires input from multiple stakeholders and confirms the organisations’ intention to contribute to the development of IMO regulations.