Seven international maritime associations have reaffirmed their support for the International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework ahead of a vote at next week's Marine Environment Protection Committee extraordinary session.

The World Shipping Council, International Chamber of Shipping, European Shipowners, Asian Shipowners' Association, International Association of Ports and Harbors, International Bunker Industry Association, and International Transport Workers' Federation issued a joint statement on October 9 backing the regulatory package.

The framework aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by or close to 2050, with incentives to reduce investment risks in green marine fuels and accelerate shipping decarbonisation.

The associations argue that only global rules can decarbonise the international shipping industry effectively. Without the framework, they claim shipping would face "a growing patchwork of unilateral regulations, increasing costs without effectively contributing to decarbonisation."

The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee will meet from October 14-17 to consider adopting the framework. The associations describe this as an opportunity for governments to establish a comprehensive global regulatory system with worldwide enforcement.

According to the statement, the maritime transport sector moves 90% of global trade and is ready to contribute to delivering a sustainable future through the proposed transition framework.

The framework includes provisions for what the associations term a "just transition" for the maritime workforce as the industry shifts away from conventional marine fuels.

The joint statement emphasises that industry support makes this a "unique and historic opportunity" for governments to implement regulations that would create a level playing field while incentivising the transition to net zero emissions.

The seven associations represent significant portions of the global maritime industry, including shipowners controlling 35% of the global commercial fleet through European Shipowners alone, and port authorities handling over one-third of seaborne trade through IAPH membership.