Shipping companies urge IMO to adopt NZF

Spanish Market: Oil products
04/03/26

A group of shipping, energy and technology companies has called on International Maritime Organization (IMO) members to adopt the UN agency's net-zero Framework (NZF) this year, urging governments to move forward with the sector's decarbonisation agenda.

Nearly 90 companies signed an open letter on 4 March expressing support for implementing the NZF, describing it as "a hard-fought compromise that can provide a clear and credible pathway for the decarbonisation of international shipping" and one that has gained broad industry backing.

The letter highlighted the IMO's "tireless" efforts in developing the framework in collaboration with governments, the private sector and civil society. The NZF incorporates several key initiatives, including the IMO's revised greenhouse-gas (GHG) strategy, lifecycle assessment (LCA) guidelines and a potential carbon-pricing mechanism aimed at addressing key barriers to shipping decarbonisation.

Signatories also stressed the importance of a global regulatory framework, noting that fragmented policies risk slowing the adoption of alternative fuels and technologies.

"Global regulation for the sector creates a shared system that covers emissions from all international shipping: one set of rules that brings clarity for the industry and a stronger signal to invest in new fuels and technologies," the letter said.

The appeal follows the postponement of the NZF decision during the IMO's Extraordinary Session in October, after opposition from several member states. The delay has weighed on the marine industry sector that has already begun investing in alternative-fuel vessels, bunkering infrastructure and emerging supply chains to support decarbonisation. The group warned that swift action is needed to sustain momentum in the sector's energy transition.

"Action now will create the market for these new vessels and technologies, accompanied by new jobs and economic growth, enabling shipping's full transition and the achievement of the IMO's strategy to deliver net zero shipping by or around 2050."

The call echoes the efforts by hydrogen-based fuels (e-fuels) producers when they called on the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to include steps towards the adoption of e-fuels such as ammonia and e-methanol in the NZF. The companies cited then that e-fuels offer higher emissions reductions and project developers need regulatory certainty to move projects forward.

The signatories of today's open letter span the maritime value chain, including shipowners, fuel technology providers, energy producers and logistics stakeholders. Companies backing the call include Singaporean container shipping group X-Press Feeders , German engine manufacturer Everllence, Australian firm CWP Global, Spanish energy firm Moeve, Australian metals producer Fortescue, Netherlands-based shipowner Future Proof Shipping and ship vetting firm RightShip, among others.

By Mahua Mitra and Pamela Machado

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04/03/26

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UAE's Fujairah bunker suppliers declare force majeure

04/03/26

UAE's Fujairah bunker suppliers declare force majeure

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Asian currencies, stock markets wobble on Iran crisis

04/03/26

Asian currencies, stock markets wobble on Iran crisis

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Indonesia to import more US crude on supply disruptions

04/03/26

Indonesia to import more US crude on supply disruptions

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03/03/26

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