The International Maritime Organization (IMO) took another step toward establishing a legally binding framework to lower GHG emissions from ships globally.
The draft regulations will set mandatory marine fuel standards and GHG emissions pricing for shipping to address climate change with a goal to seek net-zero emissions by or around 2050.
The IMO net-zero framework combines mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across the industry. The draft regulations were approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session in April 2025.
These measures are expected to be formally adopted in October 2025 before they launch in 2027 and will be mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of the total CO2 emissions from international shipping.
“The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in a statement. “Now, it is important to continue working together, engaging in dialogue and listening to one another, if we are to create the conditions for successful adoption.”
Under the draft regulations, ships will be required to comply with a global fuel standard: Ships must reduce their annual GHG fuel intensity (GFI), which is how much GHG is emitted for each unit of energy used. This is calculated using a well-to-wake approach.
In addition, ships emitting above GFI thresholds will need to acquire remedial units to balance their deficit emissions, while those using zero or near-zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial rewards.
