A coalition of 87 maritime, energy, and technology companies has publicly urged governments to adopt the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework (NZF) in 2026, cautioning that further delays could derail the shipping industry’s ongoing energy transition.
The companies issued a joint statement on Wednesday, describing the framework as offering a “clear and credible pathway” for achieving net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050, according to Ship & Bunker.
A Call for Global Regulatory Clarity
The signatories emphasised that a single, internationally agreed framework is critical for companies directing capital toward low-carbon fuels, next-generation vessel designs, and bunkering infrastructure. As reported by Ship & Bunker, the group also acknowledged that early signals from the IMO have already helped stimulate alternative marine fuel production and the ordering of vessels designed to run on them, with bunkering infrastructure development advancing across multiple regions.
Despite that progress, the coalition warned that ongoing policy uncertainty risks reversing course. “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,” the joint statement read.
Notable Signatories
Among the 87 companies that signed the statement are shipping operators Pacific Basin Shipping, X-Press Feeders, Klaveness Combination Carriers, SamSkip, and J. Lauritzen, alongside ports, fuel producers, and technology developers, Ship & Bunker reports.
Framework Background
The NZF was agreed in principle in April 2025 but failed to secure a final adoption vote in October of that year, following opposition from a US- and Saudi Arabia-led bloc, according to Ship & Bunker. Delegates opted instead to defer the decision by one year. Whether member states will ultimately adopt the framework in its current form — or move forward with a scaled-back alternative — remains unresolved heading into 2026.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
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