IMO breaks with convention to advance global net-zero framework

For the first time, member states were required to vote on key elements, abandoning IMO’s long-established consensus-building approach.

The negotiations were notably influenced by regional blocs and complicated by the absence of the United States. Despite these challenges, agreement on the GHG Fuel Intensity trajectory - a crucial component for aligning international and regional regulations - was reached through voting.

Representing the tanker industry, Intertanko warned the committee tanker operators have already initiated substantial preparations to comply with the upcoming FuelEU Maritime Regulation. The organisation cautioned introducing "unrealistic targets" beyond what the industry had been working towards could undermine these efforts and impede the sector’s energy transition.

Industry participation in the decision-making process became a point of contention, with Intertanko managing director Tim Wilkins criticising the exclusion of non-governmental organisations from critical "closed-door" discussions on emissions-reduction trajectories. "This ignored the vital contribution the industry makes by bringing technical, practical and real-world analysis and information into the rule-making process," Mr Wilkins stated.

With the draft framework now established, attention shifts to implementation. According to Intertanko senior technical manager KC Wong, a substantial list of implementing guidelines remains to be developed, highlighting "the scale and complexity of what lies ahead." Mr Wong emphasised the necessity of involving industry in future discussions to achieve the targeted greenhouse gas reductions.

The revised Marpol Annex VI regulation, which will incorporate the IMO Net-Zero Framework, is expected to be formally adopted at an Extraordinary Session of MEPC in October 2025, with measures likely to enter into force 16 months later under the "tacit acceptance" procedure.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​