Leading international maritime associations and organisations reiterated its our strong support for adoption by the world's governments at the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the "Net-Zero Framewor" at the critical Extraordinary Session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee next week (October 14-17).

"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," the joint statement by the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners' Associations (FASA), European Shipowners (ECSA), the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Bunker Industry Association, The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the World Shipping Council (WSC), said.

It noted that 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," the maritime organizations added.

"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 sector, which handles about 90% of global trade, is under growing pressure to decarbonize—but recent U.S. opposition to the UN's Net-Zero Framework has complicated global efforts.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency, has spent nearly a decade developing its Net-Zero Framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. The plan includes carbon intensity targets, alternative fuel adoption, and a proposed global carbon levy. However, in August 2025, the Trump administration issued a joint statement rejecting the framework, calling it a "global carbon tax" and warning of retaliation against member states that support it.

Despite political pushback, many maritime stakeholders continue to invest in cleaner technologies and operational efficiencies. The sector remains central to global trade—moving roughly 90% of goods worldwide—and is increasingly focused on emissions tracking, fuel innovation, and port electrification.

Industry groups have emphasized the need for international coordination, citing fragmented regulations as a barrier to progress.