IMO approves net-zero regulations for global shipping
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has achieved another step towards establishing a legally binding framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships globally, aiming for net-zero emissions by or around, i.e close to 2050.
The IMO Net-zero Framework is the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector.
Approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MEPC 83) from 7–11 April 2025, the measures include a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.
These measures, set to be formally adopted in October 2025 before entry into force in 2027, will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of the total CO2 emissions from international shipping.
Closing the meeting, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez commended the spirit of cooperation and commitment demonstrated by Member States, saying: “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.
“Now, it is important to continue working together, engaging in dialogue and listening to one another, if we are to create the conditions for successful adoption.”
The IMO Net-Zero 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% of the world’s merchant shipping fleet by tonnage, and already includes mandatory energy efficiency requirements for ships.
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, over time, their annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI) – that is, how much GHG is emitted for each unit of energy used. This is calculated using a well-to-wake approach.
2. Global economic measure: Ships emitting above GFI thresholds will have to acquire remedial units to balance its deficit emissions, while those using zero or near-zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial rewards.
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-Zero Fund.
IMO Net-Zero Fund
The IMO Zet-Zero Fund will be established to collect pricing contributions from emissions. These revenues will then be disbursed to:
- Reward low-emission ships;
- Support innovation, research, infrastructure and just transition initiatives in developing countries;
- Fund training, technology transfer and capacity building to support the IMO GHG Strategy; and
- Mitigate negative impacts on vulnerable States, such as Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
Upon approval, the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI will be formally circulated to IMO Member States, followed by:
- October 2025 (MEPC/ES.2): Adoption of the amendments during an extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee.
- Spring 2026 (MEPC 84): Approval of detailed implementation guidelines.
- 2027: Expected entry into force, 16 months after adoption (in accordance with MARPOL articles).