Behind the Scenes IMO Approves Net-Zero Framework for Global Shipping This title provides a clear indication of the topic of the post, which is about the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) approval of a net-zero framework for global shipping. The use of behind the scenes suggests that the post will provide an insider's perspective or offer insights into the process, which could make it more engaging and interesting to readers.

Behind the Scenes IMO Approves Net-Zero Framework for Global Shipping

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global shipping, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by or around 2050. The approval of the IMO Net-Zero Framework marks a significant milestone in the organization's efforts to combat climate change and modernize the shipping industry.

Approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MEPC 83) from April 7 to 11, 2025, the framework includes a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions. These measures will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85 percent of the total CO2 emissions from international shipping.

The IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, commended the cooperation and commitment demonstrated by Member States during the meeting, stating The approval of draft amendments to Marpol Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments.

Key Elements of the IMO Net-Zero Framework

The framework will be included in a new Chapter 5 of Annex VI (Prevention of air pollution from ships) to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol). Marpol Annex VI currently has 108 parties, covering 97 percent of the world's merchant shipping fleet by tonnage.

The goal is to achieve the climate targets set out in the 2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, accelerate the introduction of zero and near-zero GHG fuels, technologies, and energy sources, and support a just and equitable transition.

Under the draft regulations, ships will be required to comply with

1. Global Fuel Standard Ships must reduce their annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI) over time, using a well-to-wake approach.
2. Global Economic Measure Ships emitting above GFI thresholds will have to acquire remedial units to balance their deficit emissions, while those using zero or near-zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial rewards.

Ensuring Compliance

There will be two levels of compliance with GHG Fuel Intensity targets a Base Target and a Direct Compliance Target at which ships would be eligible to earn surplus units. Ships that emit above the set thresholds can balance their emissions deficit by

Transferring surplus units from other ships
Using surplus units they have already banked
Using remedial units acquired through contributions to the IMO Net

This framework marks a significant step towards reducing GHG emissions from international shipping, and we look forward to seeing its impact in the years to come.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.