Maritime bodies call on IMO states to agree on decarbonisation pathway

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) secretary general Thomas Kazakos has said the shipping industry is committed to decarbonisation, as leading maritime bodies called on International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states to agree on a way forward ahead of next week’s MEPC 84 meeting.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), ICS, Intercargo, Interferry, Intertanko and the World Shipping Council (WSC) said that, following the postponement in October 2025 of the adoption of new IMO greenhouse gas regulations, the shipping industry is emphasising the vital importance of IMO member states agreeing on a way forward.

Kazakos said the industry is “fully committed to the decarbonisation of international shipping consistent with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy of the IMO”, adding that “a global, ‘fit-for-purpose’ regulatory framework is essential to meet this objective” and that “it is now time for Member States to set a clear pathway.” 

The statement, made in advance of a critical meeting of the International Maritime Organisation’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, MEPC 84, said the IMO consistently demonstrates a unique ability to deliver critical regulations for the safety and security of international shipping and protection of the marine environment. 

At the same time, the industry said it remains unified in its commitment to the value and effectiveness of the IMO as the global regulator for international shipping and remains committed to pursuing the ambition established within the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, having invested and committed billions of dollars to trial and implement the use of alternative fuels and innovative technology. 

The organisations also said the industry supports consideration of practical and effective IMO solutions with consistent global application, while avoiding diverse and or overlapping regional and national decarbonisation schemes which could result in double or multiple penalties being imposed on ships for the same greenhouse gas emissions. 

Member states were therefore encouraged to consider all options to achieve a global agreement. 

Meanwhile, the statement said the significant work already underway on related subjects such as fuel lifecycle assessment and certification schemes must deliver the technical foundation and clarity for consideration of adoption of any measure. 

In addition, progress must take due regard for which aspects should be adopted by regulation, and which can be reserved for IMO guidelines. 

The industry further said decision-making must be data-driven and fuel and technology neutral, taking into account availability and safety of alternative fuels, and requirements that are solely focused on maritime decarbonisation. 

It also said measures adopted should ensure the viability of transitional fuels such as LNG, LPG and sustainable biofuel blends, other alternative fuels including e-fuels, biomethanol, biomethane, sustainable bioethanol and ammonia, as well as technologies such as wind, battery storage, shore power, nuclear, and onboard carbon capture. 

At the same time, notwithstanding legitimate questions about the safety and feasibility of some of these alternatives, the statement said their potential to provide an immediate reduction of emissions should be recognised. 

The organisations added that IMO requirements should provide the global regulatory certainty that the maritime industry urgently needs and send sufficient signals to energy producers to accelerate production and supply. 

They also emphasised the need for practicable enforcement of the new rules to secure the intended reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a level playing field across the industry. 

The statement added that the decarbonisation of the maritime sector is a multi-stakeholder endeavour which cannot be achieved by shipowners alone.

Finally, it said that the industry stands by the IMO and is committed to providing meaningful and constructive input to assist IMO member states in developing fit-for-purpose regulations to deliver the strategic vision of the organisation.