Why is global maritime decarbonisation so important right now?

As global regulation tightens and market expectations rise, decarbonisation has become the defining challenge for maritime leaders. The IMO’s latest delay has left many searching for clarity, but also reaffirmed the industry’s capacity to lead where policy lags. This FAQ explores what that leadership looks like in practice: how to navigate the evolving regulatory changes, where to invest for compliance and competitiveness, and which technologies and fuels are emerging as the strongest options for a viable, low-carbon future.

The shipping industry is facing unprecedented regulatory and market pressure to reduce emissions. With the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework now delayed until April 2026 and overlapping EU regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS already in force, companies are caught between compliance costs and strategic uncertainty.

Waiting is no longer an option. Every year of delay increases risk, from higher carbon costs to investor hesitation. The industry must now balance short-term compliance with long-term investment in viable fuel and technology pathways.

What happened at the IMO’s October 2025 meeting?

At the October session, the IMO failed to reach full consensus on adopting the Net-Zero Framework, postponing final agreement until 2026. The delay was driven by political disagreements over how to implement global GHG pricing and distribute revenues fairly.

While the setback created short-term uncertainty, it also reinforced the need for industry-led action. As Mark Watts, Director, LP Brussels, previously CEO of the UK, Transport in Europe and former Two-Term Member of the European Parliament, wrote in his recent article, “The IMO setback was sobering, but not final. Frameworks don’t create change – people do.”

What are the key regulations shaping shipping’s decarbonisation?

The current regulatory framework is complex but can be grouped into four main mechanisms:

• IMO CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator): In force since 2023, rating vessels A–E based on grams of CO₂ emitted per tonne-mile.
• IMO Net-Zero Framework: Global GHG pricing and intensity limits, expected 2028.
• EU ETS: Emissions trading scheme for CO₂ (and later CH₄, N₂O) on intra-EU and partial international voyages.
• FuelEU Maritime: HG intensity limits for onboard energy use from 2025.

Additional regional measures include SECA/NECA zones and Onshore Power Supply (OPS) mandates at European ports.

Which alternative fuels show the most promise for decarbonisation?

Each fuel pathway offers distinct advantages and challenges:

• LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): Proven technology, established bunkering network, and the lowest cost of compliance under current IMO and EU rules. Methane-slip mitigation breakthroughs (up to 98% reduction) have strengthened its lifecycle emissions case.
• Methanol: Fast-growing adoption, supported by dual-fuel engine availability. Green methanol supply remains limited but expanding.
• Ammonia: High potential for zero-carbon propulsion; safety, toxicity, and infrastructure readiness remain challenges.
• Biofuels & e-Fuels: Key bridging solutions as drop-ins or long-term zero-carbon options, dependent on certification and cost.
• Hydrogen: Strong long-term promise, but limited scalability for ocean-going shipping before 2035.

What is meant by “fuel viability”?

Fuel viability is the measure of how practical, affordable, and scalable a fuel is within a specific operational context.

It considers:

• Fuel cost and price stability
• Infrastructure and regional availability
• Engine compatibility and retrofit costs
• Safety and regulatory compliance
• Lifecycle GHG performance

GMDS sessions explore these dimensions in depth, helping operators choose a mix of fuels that balance compliance, cost, and flexibility.

How can shipowners manage compliance costs under FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS?

Compliance costs can be reduced by:

• Investing in dual-fuel or fuel-flexible vessels that qualify for lower GHG intensity ratings.
• Leveraging methane abatement and digital MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) technology to demonstrate actual emission reductions.
• Engaging in regional offtake agreements for lower-carbon fuels that meet certification standards.
• Incorporating carbon pricing forecasts into long-term charter and financing models.

How are technology and digitalisation helping to reduce emissions?

Technology is the hidden multiplier in maritime decarbonisation.

Key advances include:

• Methane-slip reduction catalysts for LNG engines.
• Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) systems under pilot testing.
• Digital route optimisation tools are improving efficiency by 3–5%.
• AI-driven emissions monitoring for real-time verification and reporting.

By integrating these systems, operators can prove compliance and unlock operational savings – even before the next phase of IMO regulations.

How can the industry act while regulations remain uncertain?

The short answer: move first.

As Mark Watts puts it, “The only way to rebuild trust is to move — to show, not tell.”

Practical steps include:

• Starting with transitional fuels like LNG or bioLNG.
• Building flexible fleets ready for ammonia or methanol conversion.
• Partnering with ports and suppliers to ensure multi-fuel readiness.
• Engaging financiers early to de-risk investments through sustainability-linked loans.

The market is rewarding transparency and early action — waiting for perfect regulation is no longer viable.

What is the Global Maritime Decarbonisation Summit?

The Global Maritime Decarbonisation Summit (GMDS) is the industry’s leading forum for collaboration on clean fuel pathways, regulatory compliance, and commercial strategy. It brings together shipowners, ports, fuel suppliers, regulators, financiers, and technology providers to tackle one shared challenge: how to decarbonise shipping efficiently, safely, and profitably.

What will attendees gain from the Global Maritime Decarbonisation Summit?

• First-hand insights from regulators and IMO representatives on 2026 policy outcomes.
• Access to real project data from shipowners, ports, and fuel suppliers on early fuel adoption.
• Networking with financiers, engine makers, and classification societies to align on practical compliance pathways.
• Strategic clarity on the commercial viability of alternative fuels across trade routes and fleet types.

How can I participate or attend the event?

You can register directly via the event website here: https://www.oilandgasiq.com/events-lngbunkering/srspricing

Whether you’re a shipowner, supplier, port authority, or policymaker, your voice and expertise are essential to shaping a viable, fair, and effective path toward net zero.

Why does collaboration matter more than ever?

Decarbonisation isn’t a solo voyage. The shipping industry’s success depends on shared infrastructure, harmonised certification, and aligned investment. As this year’s Summit theme reminds us that we cannot decarbonise in isolation; every ship, every port, and every partner

Join the movement at the Global Maritime Decarbonisation Summit, 5-7 May 2026, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

This is where action replaces hesitation. Join global leaders from across the maritime value chain to rebuild confidence, bridge policy with practice, and shape a future where compliance and competitiveness go hand in hand.

Be part of the community defining fair, fast, and practical decarbonisation for the decades ahead.