MEPC 83 – VOTES TO ADVANCE GLOBAL MARITIME DECARBONIZATION EFFORTS
Green Worldwide Shipping® welcomes the April 2025 approval of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, a landmark regulatory package designed to accelerate the shipping industry’s transition to zero-emission operations. This announcement marks a significant development for Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) members and freight buyers seeking climate-aligned shipping solutions.
Approved during the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), the new framework introduces the first-ever combination of a mandatory global fuel standard and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pricing across an entire industry sector. Implementation is expected to begin in 2027 following formal adoption in October 2025.
“The IMO Net-Zero Framework represents a breakthrough moment for ocean shipping. It reflects what forward-thinking shippers and buyers have long called for—transparent, enforceable emissions standards that reward innovation and reduce uncertainty. Our sustainable fuel program and ZEMBA membership reflect this same ambition, and we’re proud to support initiatives that turn sustainability from aspiration into action.”
Anne Shudy Palmer | Director of Sustainability | Green Worldwide Shipping
NEW IMO NET-ZERO FRAMEWORK
The IMO Net-Zero Framework introduces a new chapter to MARPOL Annex VI, which governs emissions from ships.
Key provisions include:
Mandatory Fuel Standard: A requirement for vessels to reduce greenhouse gas intensity over time using a well-to-wake (WtW) methodology
Emissions Pricing Mechanism: A system to credit low-emission vessels and collect contributions from higher-emitting ships through a new IMO Net-Zero Fund
Global Scope: Applies to ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage, covering more than 85% of global maritime emissions
The IMO Net-Zero Fund will direct revenue toward rewarding climate-aligned shipping, scaling innovation, and supporting infrastructure development in emerging economies. This new compliance framework provides a foundation for long-term investment in zero-emission fuels and supports the scalability of efforts such as ZEMBA.
“The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments.”
Arsenio Domniguez | IMO Secretary-General
GREEN’S CONTINUED COMMITMENT THROUGH ZEMBA
As a proud member of the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), Green Worldwide Shipping® has already taken steps to align with the IMO’s recent actions and the future of net-zero emissions ocean freight. In 2024, ZEMBA completed its inaugural tender for very low carbon shipping and recently launched its second tender focusing on e-fuels produced with clean energy. The success of these leadership efforts demonstrated to IMO member nations the feasibility of scaling up decarbonized maritime shipping and the importance of using a well-to-wake emissions methodology as codified in the new IMO framework.
ZEMBA’s model includes third-party certification, fuel sustainability safeguards, and climate-based selection criteria—making it a practical path for freight buyers seeking Scope 3 emissions reductions.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the regulatory environment evolves, Green remains committed to helping our customers make informed, future-ready decisions about their supply chain emissions. We continue to invest in partnerships, platforms, and programs that advance measurable sustainability outcomes like our customer logistics emissions reports, GreenCheck technology and directed scope 3 mitigation plans.
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