On this page, you will find the latest news from the Global Maritime Forum. If you are a member of the press and would like help on your next story, our communications team is ready to help.
In the fall of 2025, efforts at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish a global framework for shipping decarbonisation encountered a setback. Following disagreement among member states, including opposition from the United States and Saudi Arabia, the vote to adopt the IMO's Net-Zero Framework (NZF) was postponed by one year.
The framework, provisionally agreed earlier in the year, aims to put international shipping on a pathway towards net-zero emissions. The next vote is scheduled for the first week of December 2026 at the IMO in London. In the intervening year, negotiations have continued, with governments and industry stakeholders working to build support for an effective, internationally agreed framework.
While questions remain over the level of ambition and the scope of the final measures, there is continued recognition that a global, IMO-led solution is essential to decarbonising international shipping; this was one of the clearest messages from shipping leaders that came out of the Global Maritime Forum Annual Summit 2026 in Shanghai.
Much is still at stake.
Opposition to the framework persists, and the disruptions that affected last year's negotiations could resurface. A failure to secure an ambitious agreement risks leaving the sector with a weaker regulatory foundation, requiring further revisions to meet its climate goals and leaving industry with continued uncertainty. Such a result could also increase regulatory fragmentation, with regional measures, including those in Europe, having to address gaps in global action.
The challenge now is to translate years of negotiations and growing industry support into a credible global agreement. Shipping needs a framework that provides regulatory certainty, drives investment in cleaner fuels and technologies, and supports the sector’s transition to net-zero emissions.
Here you can find further information on the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the IMO Net-Zero Framework. Reports such as Climate Action in Shipping: Progress Towards Shipping’s 2030 Breakthrough can also provide a useful reference to further understand the issues, positions, and policy choices shaping the IMO negotiations.
Experts from the Global Maritime Forum and our wider network can offer valuable insights into decarbonising the maritime industry and making life at sea more inclusive and appealing to all. From policy developments to the broader transition of the maritime industry, our spokespeople can discuss the key issues shaping the sector and what these negotiations mean for its future.
Please direct any press inquiries to Molly P. Hannon, Senior Communications Manager, PR & Media Relations, Global Maritime Forum at +45 5376 6787 or mph@globalmaritimeforum.org.
Johannah Christensen is the co-founder and CEO of the Global Maritime Forum. She brings more than 20 years of experience engaging businesses in collaborative efforts to create a future that prioritises sustainability. She has worked for several high-profile international organisations, including the World Economic Forum.
Jesse Fahnestock is the director of decarbonisation at the Global Maritime Forum. With 20 years of experience in energy and climate, he has worked with business, research, and policy to drive the energy transition. He previously held key roles at the World Economic Forum, Vattenfall, RISE, and WWF International.
Susanne Justesen is the director of human sustainability at the Global Maritime Forum, leading the organisation’s efforts to improve life at sea. Under her guidance, the human sustainability programme and its flagship initiative, the All Aboard Alliance, focus on improving safety and human well-being at sea and on shore, ensuring inclusive and attractive career pathways, and equipping the maritime workforce with the skills needed for the future. Susanne has a PhD in innovation and diversity leadership from Copenhagen Business School.
Jan Dieleman is President of Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business with over 20 years at Cargill, managing U.S. and European operations. A strong advocate for sustainable shipping, he actively supports reduced emissions, improved vessel performance, safer conditions, and a diverse workforce. He is the Global Maritime Forum Chairman, serves on the RightShip board, is an advisory board member for Lloyd’s Register, and is on the London International Shipping Week 2025 advisory board.For general communications inquiries, please reach out to Rasmus Nord Jørgensen, +45 2168 0421.
For media inquiries, please reach out to Molly P. Hannon, +45 5376 6787.
Rasmus is responsible for the output of the communications team and the team's well-being. His focus is on strategy and making all the pieces fit while helping the team reach its goals and targets.
Molly is the strategic communications advisor for all Global Maritime Forum programmes and initiatives. In addition to her role, she leads all PR efforts, working closely with the media to ensure visibility and impact.
Nicole supports the communications team across project management, media relations, social, video, and editing. She works with a range of stakeholders to ensure maximum visibility and impact for our initiatives.
Justin is responsible for editing all Global Maritime Forum communications, from long-form publications to newsletters and social media posts. He is also the team's point person for all video content.
Jemma is the content manager responsible for planning and executing content for the Global Maritime Forum's programmes and initiatives, covering everything from social media to newsletters and videos.
Trine is in charge of the Global Maritime Forum branding and visuals and is the resident Adobe Creative Suite master. She also lends her key eye to proofreading printed materials.
Clara supports communications activities, coordinates graphic design and content creation efforts, and assists with media relations initiatives.