A coalition of 87 shipping companies, ports and clean-fuel producers has urged the International Maritime Organization to adopt its Net-Zero Framework in 2026, following the decision in October 2025 to delay formal approval of the package by one year.
The framework, intended to support the sector’s target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by or around 2050, would impose a carbon emissions levy on ships above 5,000 gross tonnes. The mechanism was provisionally agreed in 2024 but its adoption was postponed at the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s extraordinary session in October 2025.
Under earlier estimates, the levy was expected to generate up to $15bn a year by 2030. Supporters argue that these revenues would help address the cost differential between conventional marine fuels and alternatives such as green ammonia, e-methanol and other hydrogen-derived fuels.
The signatories include ports handling more than 340m tonnes of cargo annually and listed companies with a combined market value of about $140bn. In a joint statement, they describe the framework as a ‘hard-fought compromise’ that provides ‘a clear and credible pathway for the decarbonisation of international shipping’. They add that ‘confusion and uncertainty resulting from delay in the adoption of the Framework risks undermining international investment and growth’.
Shipping accounts for roughly 80 per cent of global trade and about 3 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Industry groups argue that a single global regime, administered through the IMO, is necessary to ensure consistent rules across flag states and trading routes.
Dr Uwe Lauber, CEO of Everllence, said: ‘The IMO decision has been a harsh set-back for the entire industry. Everybody is aware that net zero is only achievable through synthetic fuels. But without the Net Zero Framework in place the business case for the necessary investments into e-fuels and e-fuel production is a lot weaker. The IMO must find the strength to vote for the NZF this year.’
Investment decisions in vessels and fuel supply infrastructure typically involve long asset lifetimes and high capital expenditure. Several industry participants have linked final investment decisions for e-fuel production facilities and bunkering infrastructure to the introduction of predictable global regulation.
Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia, said: ‘The IMO’s Net-Zero Framework is a critical step toward creating the regulatory clarity our industry needs to accelerate maritime decarbonization. Clear and predictable global rules will help unlock investment across the value chain, from fuel production and infrastructure to vessels and offtake agreements.’
Maarten Wetselaar, CEO of Moeve, said: ‘Rapid adoption of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework in 2026 would send a powerful signal to producers and investors that Europe is committed to a global, level-playing-field transition, unlocking the clean fuel volumes shipping urgently needs.’
Joe Williams, CEO of the Green Hydrogen Organisation, said: ‘Without a clear and predictable demand signal anchored in global regulation, investment will slow and projects will struggle to reach final investment decision. Swift adoption of the IMO Net Zero Framework remains the best way to scale green hydrogen-based fuels globally for shipping and we urge governments to overcome last year’s unfortunate delay.’
The coalition is calling on IMO member states to adopt the framework in 2026, arguing that timely approval would provide regulatory clarity for shipowners, fuel producers and ports planning long-term capital expenditure.
