The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has backed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the global regulator for international shipping ahead of MEPC 84.

In a statement, IBIA aligned itself with a joint statement released on 20 April by shipping associations representing the global commercial fleet under the title 'Shipping Industry United in Support of IMO as its Global Regulator and Successful Implementation of IMO GHG Reduction Pathway.'

That declaration stresses that decarbonisation in shipping is a multi-stakeholder effort that can only be achieved through action across the wider maritime ecosystem.

IBIA, which represents organisations across the global marine energy supply chain, noted that it remains committed to providing constructive input to support IMO member states in developing globally consistent, fit-for-purpose rules that deliver its strategic vision.

The association also highlighted the need for robust guidelines to ensure uniform and effective implementation worldwide.

IBIA added that more mature instruments, such as life cycle assessment (LCA) guidelines, will help stakeholders assess regulatory impacts more clearly and build confidence in how the measures work in practice.

It also stressed that delivery of marine energy to the global fleet will be critical to enabling compliance with IMO greenhouse gas reduction measures and ensuring effective implementation.