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The global shipping industry, as represented by seven major associations, expressed united support to the International Maritime Organization as the sector prepares for a critical meeting from April 27 to May 1
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They issued a joint statement backing IMO as global regulator and the need for IMO member states to agree “on a way forward” after the adoption of new IMO greenhouse gas regulations was postponed in October 2025
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The signatories are BIMCO, CLIA, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERFERRY, INTERTANKO and WSC
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The upcoming meeting is the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee
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MEPC 84 agenda includes adoption of amendments to measures relating to maritime protection from shipping operations
The global shipping industry, as represented by seven major associations, expressed united support to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the sector prepares for a critical meeting from April 27 to May 1.
In a joint statement, the industry groups stressed its backing of IMO as global regulator and the need for IMO member states to agree “on a way forward” after the adoption of new IMO greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations was postponed in October 2025.
READ: Shipping emissions pact fails to get approval, talks to resume next year
The upcoming meeting, to be held in-person at the IMO headquarters in London, is the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84).
MEPC 84 agenda includes: Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments – MARPOL Annex VI, which is intended to prevent pollution of the air by seagoing ships; reduction of GHG emissions from ships; harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water; and addressing marine plastic litter from ships /plastic pellets, among others.
“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,” reads part of the joint statement.
Signatories to the statement are:
- BIMCO, the world’s largest international shipping association
- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
- International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the principal global trade association for merchant shipowners and operators
- International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO)
- INTERFERRY, global ferry trade association
- International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO)
- World Shipping Council, the united voice of liner shipping, the international container and vehicle carriers that support global trade
The groups called for the “consideration of practical and effective IMO solutions with consistent global application while avoiding diverse and/or overlapping regional and national decarbonization schemes.”
They said varying schemes could mean 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,” they said, underscoring that “significant work” is already underway on related subjects such as fuel lifecycle assessment and certification schemes.
They also pointed out that measures adopted should ensure the viability of transitional fuels. These include 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.
“Noting that decarbonization of the maritime sector is a multi-stakeholder endeavor 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,” the groups said.
READ: Shipping forges on with decarbonization even without approved net zero framework
