By: Urszula Szalkowska, Managing Director, Europe, and Nathalie Danel, Account Manager, EcoEngineers

The maritime industry is at a crossroads. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently postponed the adoption of its Net-Zero Framework during an Extraordinary Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2). While procedural, this decision has sent ripples across the global shipping ecosystem.

At EcoEngineers, we believe this moment calls not for a pause, but for preparation.

Sector Reactions: An Interruption or An Opportunity?

Industry stakeholders responded promptly to the postponement, sharing a range of perspectives and concerns.

• The Methanol Institute emphasized that producers are ready to deliver clean fuels, but regulatory clarity via a global framework is needed to unlock investment.
• The International Chamber of Shipping called for urgent action to avoid fragmented national regulations. It reminded that the shipping industry is committed to the IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy net-zero by 2050 goal.
• The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) stressed the importance of a strong signal to the market.
• The World Shipping Council, INTERCARGO, and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) echoed concerns about delays, which are leading to uncertainty and complexity.
• The European Commission, through the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), reaffirmed its support for ambitious global measures and urged IMO Member States to adopt the Framework without further delay.

While many see the postponement as a setback, others view it as an opportunity to refine the framework and build a broader consensus. The IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, reminded stakeholders that “there are no winners or losers,” and encouraged constructive negotiations over the next year. Organizations like INTERTANKO call for using the delay as an opportunity to address ambiguities and improve implementation pathways.

Regardless of the IMO timeline, the European Union (EU) continues to lead with its own regulatory instruments:

• FuelEU Maritime sets GHG intensity reduction for energy used on board ships.
• The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) now includes maritime transport, pricing carbon emissions, and incentivizing cleaner operations.
• The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) further support the transition to sustainable fuels.

These regulatory schemes are already shaping investment decisions and operational strategies across the continent and beyond.

What Should Industry Do Now?

At EcoEngineers, we advise our clients to:

1. Stay engaged with IMO developments and contribute to shaping the final Framework.
2. Align with EU regulations, which are enforceable and already impacting market behavior.
3. Invest in readiness – from fuel sourcing and certification to life-cycle analysis (LCA) and compliance systems.
4. Collaborate across the value chain to ensure scalable, cost-effective solutions.

EcoEngineers supports maritime stakeholders with:

• LCA and GHG modeling
• Fuel certification and traceability, such as Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB)
• Regulatory advisory and compliance strategy
• Carbon accounting and verification

We help clients navigate both global and regional frameworks, ensuring they are not only compliant but competitive.

Summary

The postponement of the IMO Net-Zero Framework is not the end but a recalibration. The industry must continue to move forward, guided by regional regulations and driven by a shared commitment to sustainability.

At EcoEngineers, we stand ready to support stakeholders in this journey and maintain momentum into the low-carbon future of shipping.

For more information about EcoEngineers’ services and capabilities, contact:

Urszula Szalkowska, Managing Director, Europe | uszalkowska@ecoengineers.us

Nathalie Danel, Account Manager | ndanel@ecoengineers.us

About EcoEngineers

EcoEngineers, an LRQA company, is a consulting, auditing, and advisory firm exclusively focused on the energy transition and decarbonization. From innovation to impact, EcoEngineers helps its clients navigate the disruption caused by carbon emissions and climate change. Its team of engineers, scientists, auditors, consultants, and researchers live and work at the intersection of low-carbon fuel policy, innovative technologies, and the carbon marketplace. For more information, visit www.ecoengineers.us.