IMO MEPC 83:
Approval of the Net-Zero
Framework and
the Maritime Industry's Respons

At the 83rd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) held in April, the Net-Zero Framework—an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI—was officially approved as the mid-term measure to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by 2050. Although the decision was made by vote rather than unanimous consensus due to stark differences among member states, it represents an unprecedented and powerful measure in maritime history, requiring shipowners to pay GHG contributions based on their emissions. The symbolic and practical implications of this step are significant.

The industry has long anticipated the implementation of these mid-term measures and has undertaken extensive analysis and preparation. Now that the measures have been clarified and formally approved, the time has come to develop and implement concrete response strategies. This issue has been designed as a practical resource for industry stakeholders to revisit and reference as needed during the implementation process. The lead article of this issue provides a detailed explanation of the key elements and background of the mid-term measures—particularly the Base Target and Direct Compliance Target for reducing GHG fuel intensity. It also presents a cost analysis and introduces strategic options using biofuels as a case study for shipowners to consider.

Alongside fuel transitions, one of the most pressing areas of interest for shipowners is Energy-Saving Devices (ESDs). When appropriately installed and tailored to a vessel’s characteristics, ESDs can deliver significant fuel savings, improve CII ratings, and reduce carbon costs—greatly shortening payback periods. For shipowners, it is advisable to prioritize devices with verified cost-effectiveness, while higher-cost devices should be assessed objectively based on the specific environmental conditions of their trading routes. KR has accumulated 80 years of global wave, wind, and current data and provides objective, transparent performance evaluations on behalf of clients.

In this issue’s interview, we speak with an expert from Hanwha Power Systems to discuss the growing relevance of ammonia-fueled gas turbine technology in light of the newly approved mid-term measures. This technology offers various advantages, such as compact size, eliminating the need for pilot fuel, minimizing ammonia slip, and maintaining negative pressure within the system for enhanced safety. At the same time, challenges such as relatively low efficiency and the need for specialized crew training remain. The interview explores how these challenges can be addressed and will be of great interest to readers considering next-generation propulsion solutions.

The Regulatory Updates section provides a comprehensive overview of the approved mid-term measures. In addition, the CII reduction rate for 2030 has now been confirmed. There is encouraging news that long-standing criticism from shipowners regarding the inclusion of fuel consumption during port waiting times and idle periods in CII calculations has been acknowledged. A regulatory revision is now being promoted to exclude such emissions from the CII framework.

In Inside KR, we share news on the Approval in Principle (AiP) granted for a tank vacuum system, a core technology for liquefied hydrogen carriers. We also highlight the addition of ammonia bunkering simulation functions to KR’s Alternative Fuel Simulation Center—following LNG and methanol—and the election of Mr. Yuntae Kim, Executive Vice President of KR’s Technical Division, as Chair of the Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum (TSCF).

The approval of the IMO Net-Zero Framework marks a historic turning point for the maritime sector. With much of the regulatory uncertainty now resolved, it is time for each company to establish specific decarbonization strategies for its fleet and put them into action. In celebration of its 65th anniversary, KR is launching a new decarbonization platform to actively support shipping companies in this endeavor.

In a time of rapid change, no launch can ever be perfectly prepared. However, we can no longer afford to delay. Now is the time to embark on the journey of decarbonization and move toward implementation. Only those shipping companies that respond proactively to this transformation will lead the industry in the coming era of disruption.

With centuries of experience behind it, we believe that the global maritime industry will overcome the formidable challenge of GHG regulation with wisdom and resilience.