INTERTANKO has renewed its call for a single, globally coherent regulatory framework on greenhouse gas emissions, as the tanker sector seeks certainty on maritime decarbonisation pathways.
The association’s Council convened this week for the first time since the IMO postponed a decision on its Net-Zero Framework, which would introduce the first global greenhouse gas pricing mechanism for international shipping. The meeting reaffirmed members’ alignment on the need for a unified international system that accommodates a broad range of transitional measures.
Tim Wilkins, Managing Director of INTERTANKO, said: ‘INTERTANKO has been consistent in its approach to achieving a global solution through the IMO to meet the 2023 IMO GHG reduction targets, while respecting the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle.’ He added that the regulatory architecture must support ‘the full spectrum of transitional pathways’. These include energy-saving devices, wind-assisted propulsion, LNG and sustainable biofuels, as well as net zero technologies such as shore power and carbon capture.
Members highlighted that many owners are already testing these measures at scale, generating data that suggests transitional pathways can underpin emissions reductions beyond 2040 and towards 2050. Consolidated findings from these projects have strengthened the environmental and commercial case for a diversified decarbonisation trajectory.
To accelerate evidence gathering, INTERTANKO will establish a working group of member companies tasked with validating the effectiveness of transitional pathways using operational data. The initiative will also involve external experts, recognising that insights on fuel availability, infrastructure and life cycle performance extend beyond the membership.
Emma Scheiris, INTERTANKO’s Deputy Director for Environment, said: ‘This decision is a testament to the Members’ continued commitment and alignment on driving decarbonisation forward, notwithstanding the different pathways used to achieve their emission reduction goals.’
The IMO’s intersessional group continues to develop implementation guidelines for the postponed Net-Zero Framework, and the window for contributing evidence is narrowing. Wilkins cautioned: ‘Success hinges on timing. Evidence supporting transitional pathways must be presented to IMO early enough to influence and shape a global solution. Validating the transitional pathways with real-world data and analysis should provide regulators with the confidence to incorporate these pathways into the global framework and provide the certainty and confidence in the regulatory process that the industry requires.’
The association argues that regulatory certainty is essential for investment in fuels and technologies that will underpin the maritime carbon economy. For tanker owners making long term decisions on fuels, retrofits and vessel design, a unified approach provides clearer investment signals.
