This week’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting (MEPC 84) saw further deliberation between IMO Member States on the future of the draft “IMO Net-Zero Framework” (NZF) to decarbonise international maritime transport. This followed the Extraordinary Session last October which had postponed a decision on whether to adopt the NZF for global implementation (subsequent to approval of a draft regulatory text in April 2025).

At the conclusion of this week’s MEPC meeting, Thomas A Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), made the following comments:

“The constructive dialogue that has taken place this week is hugely welcome, although it is clear that many Member States are still unable to adopt a global regulatory framework unless further adjustments are made.

 “The shipping industry is fully committed to achieving the ambitions of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy and has already delivered substantial GHG emissions reductions. It is vital that governments move towards adoption of a comprehensive fit-for-purpose global framework as soon as possible to enable the industry to further accelerate its rapid transition to alternative energy sources.  

 “We therefore welcome the decision to convene additional negotiations in September to which ICS intends to contribute ideas on a possible way forward to achieve the necessary support amongst all Member States.”