Argent Energy urges shipping to stay on decarbonization course despite IMO delay

Argent Energy urged the shipping industry Oct. 22 to stay on course with decarbonization.

This comes as the International Maritime Organization confirmed a one-year delay to its net-zero framework.

Argent Energy, a U.K. producer of waste-based biodiesel with operations in the U.K. and the Netherlands, said progress must continue.

A delay in regulation doesn’t mean a delay in action, the company stated.

“The industry must not stand still,” said Dickon Posnett, Argent Energy’s director of corporate affairs.

“The IMO’s efforts remain vital, but regulatory delays should not deter shipping companies from acting now,” he said. “Solutions exist now. Companies can act now.”

Argent Energy advocates for the wider adoption of waste-derived biodiesel, a drop-in fuel that can be used in existing vessels without modification.

These fuels offer an immediate reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions.

Argent SeaFuel is already in use across multiple European maritime routes.

The biofuel used is produced exclusively from waste-based feedstocks and meets stringent sustainability standards.

It aligns with both the IMO’s net-zero framework and the FuelEU maritime regulation.

“The climate crisis isn’t waiting, and neither should we,” Posnett said.

“No single country or interest group should hold back global progress,” he added.

Argent Energy said momentum must continue.

The company supports those working to improve the IMO framework over the next year, but it urged the industry to act in parallel.

“We applaud those driving efforts to strengthen the IMO framework and set more ambitious targets,” Posnett said.

“In the meantime, we’ll keep providing fuel for shipping companies who want to lead, not wait,” he said.

Argent Energy noted that it will continue to work with shipowners, ports and regulators with the stated goal of cutting emissions now and to keep pushing forward.