Late 2025, following strong US opposition and threats of sanctions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) delayed voting on its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for shipping emissions until October 2026 - this postponement jeopardizing global decarbonization efforts while EU sustainability reporting simplifications and new CII guidelines advanced rapidly; industry leaders requested clarity.
December 2025 marked significant advances in maritime training, with the International Maritime Organization introducing mandatory violence and harassment prevention courses and industry alerting about critical skills gaps for decarbonization technologies. Training providers and maritime organizations accelerated curriculum modernization efforts.
In April 2025, the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee unanimously approved draft regulations mandating at least 20% reductions of GHG emissions by 2030 from 2008 levels for large ocean-going ships. This framework comprises fuel standards and pricing mechanisms set for adoption in October 2025 with entry into force scheduled for 2027 - marking shipping's first global binding net-zero pathway towards 2050.
International Maritime Organization's MEPC adjourned extraordinary session without adopting Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for shipping GHG reduction, action postponed to October 2026 due to U.S. opposition and trade penalties threats; leaving industry players facing regulatory uncertainty from regional measures like EU ETS remaining.
China State Shipbuilding Corporation continues to dominate world shipbuilding with hydrogen energy partnerships and launching the next generation of a research vessel. CSSC signed a framework agreement with REFIRE on marine fuel cell development, and unveiled new hydrogen equipment products with the aim of achieving commercial mass production by 2027.
Panama re-elected to the International Maritime Organization Council's Category "A" category on December 1, 2025. The Panama Canal Authority also reported results for Fiscal Year 2025 highlighting the recovery from the drought. "The Authority reported a significant fiscal year 2025 as it restored its numbers and reelected to the International Maritime Organization Council’s ‘Category A’ category on 1 December 2025. “With transits up 19.3% year on year to 13,404 vessels and cruise operations returning with cruise line Queen Elizabeth doing her transit,” wrote cruise industry writer David Eads.
November 2025 saw developments such as NATO’s MET Workshop more focused on digitalization than ever, Philippines’ MET conference first time ever held paperless, U.S. Navy Reserve prepares for wider responsibilities with readiness exercises, Singapore launches new energy training facility.
Europe's shipping emissions in 2024 climbed 13% year-on-year to a new record high since mandatory reporting began in 2018, driven primarily by container ships taking longer routes via the Red Sea and moving cargo more frequently through disruption zones. At the IMOs 2024 Spring meeting in London, the US government successfully convinced those present to delay a vote on their landmark Net-Zero Framework Framework until October 2026, raising the risk of a derailment in the maritime decarbonization efforts.
Classification societies have markedly increased the level of regulatory and technical updates between November and December 2025, focussing on emission reporting deadlines, lifting appliance requirements and new technology approvals. Among these, the U.S. Coast Guard have published updates to their Alternate Compliance Program, and there are also revisions to SOLAS, among other guidance around lifting equipment.
In November 2025, critical moments in shipping decarbonization included the IMO's delay of its Net-Zero Framework vote, fresh partnerships between major operators, and growing fears of regulatory fragmentation. Other players are still developing alternative fuel technologies while manoeuvring through the crowded maze of compliance.