Shipping community issues clear call for IMO regulation to turn first-mover action into a global transition

Global leaders from across the maritime value chain met in Shanghai this week for the Global Maritime Forum Annual Summit 2026, where much of the discussion centred around the future of shipping’s energy transition.

With the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework facing a pivotal point in December, the Summit provided a timely opportunity for decision-makers to engage in crucial conversations about the industry’s green transition. By the end of the two days, a clear message emerged that IMO regulation will be essential to accelerating that transition, with many participants voicing support.

Among those present at the Summit was IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who spoke about the importance of a global regulatory framework in incentivising the investments the industry needs to reach the IMO’s net-zero targets.

“The goal remains in place: the decarbonisation of the sector is by 2050. We still need countries to invest in infrastructure beyond the IMO, and the energy sector to invest in new fuels. The more we diversify, the more resilient we are,” he said.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →