Shipping industry united in support of IMO as its global regulator and successful implementation of IMO GHG reduction pathway

20. huhtikuuta 2026

In advance of a critical meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) this statement is made jointly on behalf of BIMCO, CLIA, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERFERRY, INTERTANKO and WSC, representing the global commercial shipping fleet.

Following the postponement, in October 2025, of the adoption of new IMO greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations, the shipping industry highlights the vital importance of IMO Member States agreeing  on a way forward.

The IMO consistently demonstrates a unique ability to deliver critical regulations for the safety and security of international shipping and protection of the marine environment.

The industry remains unified in its commitment to the value and effectiveness of the IMO as the global regulator for international shipping and remains committed to pursuing the ambition established within the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, having invested and committed billions of dollars to trial and implement the use of alternative fuels and innovative technology.

Industry supports consideration of practical and effective IMO solutions with consistent global application while avoiding diverse and/or overlapping regional and national decarbonization schemes which could result in double or multiple penalties being imposed on ships for the same GHG emissions. Member States are therefore encouraged to consider all options to achieve a global agreement.

The significant work already underway on related subjects such as fuel lifecycle assessment and certification schemes must deliver the technical foundation and clarity for consideration of adoption of any measure. Progress must take due regard for which aspects should be adopted by regulation, and which can be reserved for IMO Guidelines.

Decision making must be data driven and fuel/technology neutral, taking into account availability and safety of alternative fuels, and requirements that are solely focused on maritime decarbonization.

Measures adopted should ensure the viability of transitional fuels such as LNG, LPG and sustainable biofuel blends, other alternative fuels including e-fuels, biomethanol, biomethane, sustainable bioethanol and ammonia, as well as technologies such as wind, battery storage, shore power, nuclear, and onboard carbon capture, and – notwithstanding legitimate questions about the safety and feasibility of some of these alternatives – recognize their potential to provide an immediate reduction of emissions.

The IMO requirements should provide the global regulatory certainty that the maritime industry urgently needs and send sufficient signals to energy producers to accelerate production and supply. Industry also underlines the need for practicable enforcement of the new rules to secure intended reduction of GHG emissions and a level playing field across the industry.

Noting that decarbonization of the maritime sector is a multi-stakeholder endeavour which cannot be achieved by shipowners alone, the industry stands by the IMO and is committed to providing meaningful and constructive input to assist IMO Member States in developing fit-for-purpose regulations to deliver the strategic vision of the Organization.

 

 

About ICS

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal global trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet – www.ics-shipping.org  

Media contact – Katerina Dimitropoulos – comms@ics-shipping.org

About BIMCO

BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association, with 2,100 members in 120 countries, representing 2/3 of the world fleet by DWT. Our global membership includes shipowners, operators, managers, brokers, and agents. BIMCO is a non-profit organisation.  www.bimco.org

Media contact – Mette Kronholm Frænde – mkf@bimco.org

About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA members and partners include the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel. Together with its members and partners, CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050.

For more information, please visit cruising.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.  

Media contact – Anne Madison – amadison@cruising.org

About INTERCARGO

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together more than 460 forward thinking companies operating over 4,600 bulk carriers, from more than 35 countries. The Association provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss and share concerns and experience on key topics and challenges. The Association promotes its members’ positions at the IMO, EU as well as other shipping and international industry fora. More at www.intercargo.org

Media contact – Cyndi Cheng – icnavigate@intercargo.org

About Interferry

Interferry is the global ferry trade association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization and similar influence at the European Union as well as many other maritime governance authorities. With membership exceeding 280 companies and representing plus 2,200 individuals in more than 40 countries, its primary purposes are to represent the ferry industry on regulatory and policy matters including safety and sustainability; to speak on behalf of the worldwide ferry sector which provides transport for over four billion passengers and 370 million vehicles annually; and to facilitate networking and communications among its members. www.interferry.com

Media contact – Tim Kötting – tk@ehrenbergsoerensen.com

About INTERTANKO
INTERTANKO, the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, has been the voice of independent tanker owners since 1970, ensuring that the liquid energy that keeps the world turning is shipped safely, responsibly and competitively. As of January 2026, the organisation has 191 Members, whose combined fleet comprises over 4100 tankers totalling over 380 million dwt. INTERTANKO’s Associate Membership stands at some 236 companies and organisations related to the tanker industry. www.intertanko.com   

Media contact – Jon Chaplin – jon.chaplin@intertanko.com

About WSC

The World Shipping Council is the united voice of liner shipping, the international container and vehicle carriers that support global trade. We work with policymakers and stakeholder groups to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe, and secure shipping industry. Read more at www.worldshipping.org. 

Media Contact – Anna Larsson – alarsson@worldshipping.org