WBCSD Statement of Support for the IMO Net-Zero Framework

Geneva, 22 September 2025 — The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) today released a statement in support of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, ahead of its anticipated final adoption this October.

The statement in full:

“The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) supports the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net Zero Framework and commends IMO Member States for their leadership as they prepare for its final adoption this October.

The framework marks a vital milestone in the global effort to decarbonize shipping and supply chains, offering a clear, predictable, and harmonized regulatory approach that enables businesses to invest, innovate, and accelerate their transition to net zero.

By avoiding a fragmented patchwork of national or regional rules, the framework ensures a level playing field for companies engaged in international trade and logistics – an essential factor for maintaining global competitiveness and driving sustainable growth.

The need for regulatory certainty is echoed in WBCSD’s Business Breakthrough Barometer 2025, where 94% of 300 business leaders across more than 50 countries stated that supportive clean energy and net-zero transition policies are crucial in shaping their investment decisions.

The IMO Net Zero Framework directly responds to this call by providing the global consistency businesses require to build resilient, future-ready value chains aligned with climate goals.”

This statement reflects WBCSD’s strategic alignment with the IMO’s efforts to decarbonize the maritime sector, which is responsible for over 85% of global shipping emissions ^[1]. The IMO Net-Zero Framework introduces legally binding emissions limits and a pricing mechanism for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, applying to all oceangoing ships over 5,000 gross tonnage ^[1].

Key Features of the IMO Net-Zero Framework

Mandatory Emissions Limits: Ocean-going ships above 5,000 gross tonnage must reduce their annual GHG fuel intensity (GFI) over time, calculated using a well-to-wake lifecycle approach^[1].
- GHG Pricing Mechanism: Ships emitting above GFI thresholds must acquire remedial units or trade surplus units. Those using zero or near-zero emission fuels are eligible for financial rewards ^[1].
IMO Net-Zero Fund: Revenues from GHG pricing will support innovation, infrastructure, and transition initiatives, particularly in developing countries ^[1].
Timeline: The framework was approved in April 2025 and if formally adopted in October 2025, will be incorporated to MARPOL Regulation taking effect in 2028.

Business Implications

The framework is designed to offer regulatory certainty enabling companies to plan long-term investments in clean technologies. It also aims to support early adopters through surplus unit trading and access to the IMO Net-Zero Fund ^[1] ^[2] ^[3]. In WBCSD’s Business Breakthrough Barometer 2025, corporates have expressed strong support for policy clarity, recognizing its potential to drive investment, competitiveness and sustainability ^[4].

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Join WBCSD’s collective action to decarbonize transport

We invite businesses to work together toward cutting 25% of Transport & Mobility emissions. To explore opportunities for decarbonization of “beyond road” transport modes, including maritime, aviation, and rail, please contact Esther Perrin (perrin@wbcsd.org). For more information about the WBCSD Transport & Mobility program, please contact Urska Skrt (urska.skrt@wbcsd.org).