Dozens of companies call on IMO to adopt net-zero framework in 2026

Over 85 leading companies including shipowners, ports, fuel producers and technology providers have signed a joint statement calling on member states of the International Maritime Organization to adopt the IMO’s net-zero framework in 2026.

The IMO was expected to adopt the measure in fall 2025 but delayed the move for a year to work toward consensus on the framework.

Further delay risks undermining international investments needed to scale alternative fuels, vessels and infrastructure, stated the dozens of organizations calling on IMO to adopt the net-zero framework in the new open letter.

The letter, in its entirety, reads as follows:

“We support the member states of the IMO in their efforts to achieve net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.

“We recognize that the IMO has worked tirelessly together with governments, the private sector and civil society in developing the GHG strategy and net-zero framework.

“The approved framework is a hard-fought compromise that can provide a clear and credible pathway for the decarbonization of international shipping, which has earned overwhelming industry support.

“We support the framework as the appropriate and balanced way forward.

“Shipping is the backbone of international trade.

“Global regulation for the sector creates a shared system that covers emissions from all international shipping: One set of rules that brings clarity for the industry, and a stronger signal to invest in new fuels and technologies.

“Encouraged by earlier signals from the IMO on its intention to regulate shipping emissions, low-carbon fuels and technology are beginning to be produced worldwide, and efficiency measures are being put in place.

“New vessels capable of running on these fuels are being ordered and delivered.

“Bunkering infrastructure is being developed globally.

“Action now will create the market for these new vessels and technologies, accompanied by new jobs and economic growth, enabling shipping’s full transition and the achievement of the IMO’s strategy to deliver net-zero shipping by or around 2050.

“Business requires predictability and clarity to invest, particularly for new fuels, vessels and infrastructure with long asset lifetimes.

“Confusion and uncertainty resulting from delay in the adoption of the framework risks undermining international investment and growth in the solutions needed to enable shipping’s energy transition.

“Further delay will likely undo the significant progress and investments that are already underway.

“The IMO has a predictable and clear framework for international shipping’s clean transition, while enabling the sector to grow and play an even greater role as the backbone of international trade.

We urge member states to adopt the net-zero framework this year and give the industry the certainty it requires.”