Policy


International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters. May 4, 2026
ICS calls for swift adoption of global regulatory framework  

Secretary general notes MEPC discussions were constructive, but that many member states were still not in a position to adopt the framework without further changes.
WSC quote on maritime discussions. May 4, 2026
WSC welcomes 'constructive engagement' on global emissions reduction measure  

The liner industry has invested $150bn in dual-fuel ships, but emissions reductions depend on a global framework, notes WSC CEO.
MEPC 84 session. May 4, 2026
IMO committee agrees intersessional work to rebuild consensus on emissions framework  

Two meetings scheduled before December session as members seek convergence on mid-term greenhouse gas measures.
Map showing existing and planned Emission Control Areas (ECAs). May 1, 2026
IMO adopts Northeast Atlantic ECA covering waters from Portugal to Greenland  

New ECA to enter into force in September 2027, connecting existing European zones with Canadian Arctic waters.
Arsenio Dominguez, IMO. April 28, 2026
IMO chief urges progress on net-zero framework amid Hormuz crisis  

Arsenio Dominguez calls for constructive dialogue as MEPC 84 tackles greenhouse gas measures and ballast water regulations.
Singapore Maritime Week panel session. April 28, 2026
Singapore industry leaders call for regulatory clarity on maritime energy transition  

SSA councillors highlight need for government support and clear policies to enable alternative fuel adoption.
Philippos Ioulianou, EmissionLink. April 24, 2026
EmissionLink warns UK ETS preparations at risk amid Strait of Hormuz focus  

Maritime emissions compliance provider says regulatory deadline cannot be delayed despite geopolitical disruptions.
IBIA logo. April 24, 2026
IBIA backs IMO as global shipping regulator ahead of MEPC 84  

Marine fuel industry body supports joint shipping statement emphasising multi-stakeholder approach to decarbonisation.
Martin White, CEO of Stream Marine Group. April 22, 2026
Seafarer training must match pace of alternative fuel adoption, says Stream Marine Training  

Training provider highlights regulatory gap as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen gain traction in shipping.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters. April 21, 2026
IMO committee to discuss Net-Zero Framework and North-East Atlantic NOx ECA  

MEPC 84 to consider 57 documents submitted for consideration on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Shipping groups logos. April 21, 2026
Shipping groups urge IMO to agree global GHG rules ahead of critical meeting  

Seven industry associations call for unified approach to avoid overlapping regional decarbonization schemes.
HMM Hamburg vessel. April 17, 2026
Rotterdam bunker volumes plunge 25% in first quarter amid regulatory shifts  

Fossil fuel sales decline sharply while alternative fuels show modest growth in Dutch port.
IBIA bunker buyers working group graphic. April 16, 2026
IBIA launches Bunker Buyers Working Group for fuel procurement end users  

New forum aims to represent shipowners, charterers and ship managers in policy and regulatory discussions.
Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) policy brief cover. April 16, 2026
Bureau Veritas releases report on EU Renewable Energy Directive’s impact on shipping  

Classification society examines RED III compliance challenges as member states transpose the directive into national law.
Methanol bunker fuel delivery. April 2, 2026
World Fuel Services and West Coast Clean Fuels launch methanol bunkering across US ports  

First over-the-water methanol delivery completed in South Florida with Coast Guard-approved procedures.
Aerial view of a container vessel. April 1, 2026
LNG and methanol investments risk becoming 'dead ends' for shipping decarbonisation, UCL study finds  

Research warns transitional marine fuels may lock in fossil infrastructure rather than enabling an ammonia pathway.
Wärtsilä logo. March 26, 2026
Shipping firms struggle to prioritise decarbonisation investments amid regulatory uncertainty, Wärtsilä survey finds  

Survey of 225 maritime executives reveals 70% say uncertainty hinders investment decisions despite regulatory pressure.
Map showing existing and planned Emission Control Areas (ECAs). March 19, 2026
Alliance calls for urgent black carbon action as new Arctic emission control areas take effect  

Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea ECAs now in force, with compliance deadline set for March 2027.
Petrobras logo. March 13, 2026
Petrobras suspends MGO export sales following Brazilian government’s 50% export tax  

State oil company halts distillate fuel exports while assessing impact of new levy.
Screenshot from ICS webinar exploring a regulatory framework for nuclear-powered merchant ships. March 4, 2026
ICS webinar explores regulatory framework for nuclear-powered merchant ships  

Industry experts discuss the timeline and challenges for adopting nuclear propulsion in the commercial shipping sector.
Section of the front cover of ClassNK's updated guidance on the EU ETS for shipping. March 4, 2026
ClassNK updates EU shipping emissions guidance for LNG-fuelled vessels  

Japanese classification society releases revised FAQs addressing methane slip measurement procedures.
Clean Maritime Fuels Platform (CMFP) logo. February 27, 2026
Maritime fuel platform calls for EU shipping ETS revenues to fund clean fuel deployment  

Clean Maritime Fuels Platform urges earmarking of national emissions trading revenues for renewable fuel infrastructure.
Annual Capital Link Forum in Athens. February 12, 2026
ECSA calls for EU to withdraw shipping legislation once IMO reaches global agreement  

European shipowners' association urges Commission to clarify that regional measures are transitional pending an international framework.
Photograph of a red container vessel. February 11, 2026
ICS survey shows maritime leaders favour LNG as industry awaits IMO net-zero vote  

Barometer reveals strategic shift towards conservative fuel choices amid regulatory uncertainty over decarbonisation framework.
Lloyd’s Register technical committee meeting in Spain. February 4, 2026
Peninsula outlines dual role in FuelEU Maritime compliance at Lloyd’s Register panel  

Marine fuel supplier discusses challenges for shipowners and opportunities for suppliers under new regulation.
The Arctic and black carbon graphic. January 30, 2026
Clean Arctic Alliance urges Canada, Iceland and Norway to back polar fuels proposal at IMO  

Environmental coalition calls on three Arctic nations to support Denmark-led measure on black carbon emissions.
The Arctic and black carbon graphic. December 18, 2025
Four countries propose Arctic fuel measure to cut black carbon from shipping  

Proposal to IMO's PPR 13 meeting aims to establish fuel regulations under MARPOL Annex VI.
IMO Member States, Belgium delegation. December 12, 2025
Lloyd's Register, Exmar, and Belgium’s Federal Public Service develop interim guidelines for ammonia cargo as fuel  

Guidelines expected to receive formal IMO approval in May 2026, enabling ammonia use on gas carriers.
Solomon Islands National Action Plan launch. December 8, 2025
Solomon Islands unveils plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels  

Maritime authority develops roadmap with IMO support to modernise vessels and port infrastructure.
Side view of a cargo vessel. December 5, 2025
DNV clarifies FuelEU Maritime flexibility mechanisms ahead of first reporting deadline  

Classification society explains banking, borrowing, and pooling options for vessel compliance balances.
Aerial view of a container vessel. December 1, 2025
FuelEU Maritime regulation reshapes ship management contracts, DNV says  

DNV's Emissions Connect aims to provide neutral data for commercial negotiations under new rules.
Arctic black carbon emissions urgency graphic. November 25, 2025
Clean Arctic Alliance urges IMO action on black carbon after 'disappointing' COP30  

Environmental coalition calls for Arctic shipping fuel regulations ahead of December 5 deadline.
Graphic announcing sectoral action on black carbon. November 21, 2025
Clean Arctic Alliance calls for Arctic states to submit polar fuels proposal by December 5 deadline  

Environmental group urges IMO member states to act on black carbon emissions following COP30 announcement.
Benny Hilström, WinGD. November 21, 2025
Where next for LNG fuel after IMO carbon pricing pause?  

WinGD’s Benny Hilström examines what lies ahead for LNG as a marine fuel.
COP30 Belém Brazil logo. November 21, 2025
Danish Shipping to push for IMO climate deal at COP30 after October setback  

Industry body seeks alliances with climate-ambitious nations following postponement of Net-Zero Framework vote.
European Union member state flags. November 6, 2025
Danish Shipping calls for EU to invest ETS revenues in green marine fuel production  

Industry body welcomes Commission's sustainable transport plan but urges concrete action on funding.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters. October 17, 2025
US pressure delays IMO Net-Zero Framework vote by one year  

Transport & Environment says intimidation tactics postponed adoption of greenhouse gas reduction plan until 2026.
Container ship UNI-ASSURE Panama. October 14, 2025
Green fuel producers urge IMO to adopt Net-Zero Framework with e-fuel incentives  

Twenty companies call for policy certainty ahead of extraordinary IMO session this week.
Logos of international maritime associations supporting IMO Net Zero Framework. October 9, 2025
Shipping associations back IMO Net-Zero Framework ahead of key vote  

Seven international associations urge governments to adopt comprehensive decarbonisation rules at IMO meeting.
Rob Mortimer, CEO of FuelRe4m. September 24, 2025
FuelRe4m CEO calls IMO Net-Zero Framework 'tax game disguised as climate policy'  

Fuel technology firm criticizes international maritime decarbonization proposals amid US-IMO diplomatic tensions.
Header image for ABS 2025 Sustainability Outlook, Beyond the Horizon: Vision Meets Reality. September 16, 2025
ABS chief urges IMO to pause Net-Zero Framework over fuel availability concerns  

Christopher Wiernicki says LNG and biofuels are 'mission critical' to shipping decarbonisation success.
Opening of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), 83rd Session, April 7, 2025. April 14, 2025
IMO approves pricing mechanism based on GHG intensity thresholds  

Charges to be levied on ships that do not meet yearly GHG fuel intensity reduction targets.
Water drop on body of water, creating a ripple effect. January 8, 2024
Will the EU ETS move prices and inspire innovation?  

Examining whether carbon pricing is likely to have an effect on emissions reduction.
Origami ship made from Euro money. December 20, 2023
Who will bear the cost of EU emission allowances?  

Analysing the purchase of allowances to offset emissions.
Flag of the European Union in front of the EU Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. December 14, 2023
How the EU ETS impacts non-EU nations and shippers  

Examaning the ETS and key issues for non-EU players ahead of implementation.
Worm's eye view of four stone structures during daytime. December 11, 2023
Four cornerstones for a regulatory environment for sustainable fuels  

An analysis of the World Shipping Council's paper to IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
UECC logo. November 15, 2023
Formula for change: UECC solution for EU ETS gives clients clarity on emission costs | UECC  

Short-sea shipper calls for EU ETS formula based on 'Ro-Ro GHG Emissions Accounting Guidance'