Support comes ahead of the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee
9 October 2025
Leading international maritime associations and organisations reiterate our strong support for adoption by the world’s governments at the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the “Net-Zero Framework” at the critical Extraordinary Session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee next week (14-17 October).
The global industry remains fully committed to working collaboratively with IMO Member States to implement successfully this carefully balanced regulatory package for achieving net zero GHG emissions by or close to 2050, with necessary incentives to de-risk investment in new green marine fuels to accelerate the total decarbonisation of international shipping and to implement a just transition for the maritime workforce.
Only global rules will decarbonise a global industry. Without the Framework, shipping would risk a growing patchwork of unilateral regulations, increasing costs without effectively contributing to decarbonisation.
With the support of the industry, this is a unique and historic opportunity for governments to put in place a comprehensive global framework, which will be strictly enforced worldwide, to incentivise the shipping industry’s transition to net zero emissions whilst ensuring a level playing field.
The maritime transport sector, which moves 90% of global trade, is ready to play its important part in delivering a sustainable future.
Notes to editors:
About ASA
The ASA is a voluntary organisation of the shipowners’ associations from ASEAN*, China, Cook Islands, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, representing around 50% of the world merchant fleet.
*The Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations (FASA) consists of associations from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The ASA provides a major platform for Asian shipowners to build consensus on issues of concern to both the Asian and global maritime industries, which is also crucial to world trade, its supply chains and the prosperity of major Asian trading partners, including the U.S.
About European Shipowners | ECSA
European Shipowners | ECSA represents 22 national shipowners’ associations based in the EU and Norway. European shipowners control 35 % of the global commercial fleet, contribute 127.8 billion euros per year to the EU GDP and provide 1.4 million people with careers both on board and ashore. ECSA strives for a regulatory environment that fosters the international competitiveness of European shipping, to the benefit of the EU – www.ecsa.eu
About IAPH
Founded in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has developed into a global alliance of 201 port authorities as well as 175 port-related businesses. Comprised of over 94 different nationalities across the world’s continents, member ports handle over one third of the world’s sea-borne trade and well over 60% of the world container traffic. IAPH leads global port industry initiatives on decarbonisation and energy transition, risk and resilience management, and accelerating digitalisation in the maritime transport chain. The IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program has grown into the reference database of best practices of ports applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals and integrating them into their businesses - iaphworldports.org.
About IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association is the voice of the global bunker industry and represents all stakeholders across the industry value chain. Our membership includes ship owners and operators, bunker suppliers, traders, brokers, barging companies, storage companies, surveyors, port authorities, credit reporting companies, lawyers, P&I clubs, equipment manufacturers, shipping journalists and marine consultants. Formed in 1992, today we have members in more than 70 countries. www.ibia.net
About ITF
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers' lives, connecting more than 700 affiliated trade unions from 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers' globally. We are the voice for nearly 16.5 million transport workers across the world. https://www.itfglobal.org/en
About ICS
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet – www.ics-shipping.org
About WSC
The World Shipping Council is the united voice of liner shipping, working with policymakers and stakeholder groups to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable,safe, and secure shipping industry. We are a non-profit trade association with offices in Brussels, London, Singapore and Washington, D.C. Read more at www.worldshipping.org.