ESPO Urges IMO Member States to Adopt Net-Zero Framework Ahead of MEPC 83

Belgium, October 2, 2025: Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), scheduled to begin on October 14 in London, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has called on IMO member states to formally adopt the Net-Zero Framework (NZF) to accelerate global maritime decarbonisation efforts.

“This global initiative is a vital step towards decarbonising international shipping and will provide much-needed clarity for the sector as it transitions to low-emission operations,” ESPO stated in its announcement.

Representing over 98% of the seaports within the European Union, ESPO has also urged the European Commission to ensure “maximum alignment” between the forthcoming IMO framework and existing EU climate measures, including FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), once the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework is adopted.

Call for Regulatory Alignment

ESPO emphasized the importance of a coherent and harmonized regulatory environment to avoid double payment, administrative duplication, and market distortions. The organization noted that inconsistencies between global and regional frameworks could undermine the competitiveness of European ports and potentially lead to business leakage.

ESPO also highlighted its anticipation of the forthcoming European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) assessment and called for a balanced approach that supports both the EU’s climate goals and the economic resilience of the maritime sector.

Combining Competitiveness and Decarbonisation

“Combining decarbonisation and competitiveness is the priority of this Commission. The adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework and the direct follow-up by the Commission with a maximum alignment of the EU ETS maritime would give the EU ports sector a strong signal that the Commission walks the talk,” said Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of ESPO.

“Europe’s ports are strongholds of Europe’s sustainable and resilient future but can only play their role if they remain competitive,” she added.

The IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, first proposed as part of the organization’s broader decarbonisation strategy, seeks to provide an internationally consistent pathway to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by or around 2050, in line with global climate objectives.