Four international shipowners' associations, the Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA), the ECSA - European Shipowners, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and World Shipping Council (WSC), the international union of ITF transport, the international association of ports IAPH and The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) have today reiterated their strong support for the adoption by governments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of Net-Zero Framework, the draft regulation for the decarbonisation of the Marine Environment Protection approved shipping Committee (MEPC) of the IMO last April ( of the 11th April 2025).

In view of the extraordinary session of the MEPC to be held from 14 to 17 October in London, from which it is expected approval of the regulation, the seven associations have highlighted today in a statement that "only global standards will be able to decarbonise a global industry" and that, "without the Framework, maritime transport would risk an increasing jumble of unilateral regulations, with an increase in costs without effectively contribute to decarbonisation. With support of the sector - the associations underlined - this is a unique and historic opportunity for governments to implement a comprehensive global framework, which will be rigorously applied in around the world, to boost the transition of the maritime sector towards net-zero emissions, while ensuring parity. The maritime transport sector, which moves 90% of global trade, is ready to carry out its important role in ensuring a sustainable future".