Calls have emerged urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to formally recognise wind propulsion as a cornerstone of its Net-Zero Framework (NZF). The calls come ahead of the MEPC 2nd Extraordinary Session (/ES.2) in London this week.
Shipping stands at a pivotal juncture. The upcoming decisions could determine whether the sector accelerates toward meaningful decarbonisation or stalls in delay and uncertainty.
Positioning wind alongside alternative fuels
The IWSA’s submission to /ES.2 emphasises: ‘Wind is free at source and the only truly zero-emission energy available at scale to the global fleet today.’ By systematically integrating wind within the NZF, the IMO can deliver a framework that is neutral, transparent, and fair, positioning wind alongside alternative fuels and energy efficiency solutions.
The NZF has the potential to act as a global signal providing certainty to unlock finance, accelerate innovation, and scale proven technologies. But that power depends on consistent accounting across the sector. Without it, distortions in technology uptake, compliance, and funding allocation could slow the pace of progress, state the parties behind the call.
As the IWSA notes, consistent treatment of wind is a litmus test for the IMO’s commitment to technology and energy-source neutrality. The organisation also stresses that wind propulsion should be integrated from the outset, not treated as a late-stage addition.
A practical path forward
As discussions intensify, industry consensus is emerging around several key principles:
Industry alignment
Organisations across the maritime sector are working to deliver technologies that reduce emissions now, technologies that maintain vessel performance and commercial viability. Wind-assist solutions, already proven and deployable at scale, offer a reliable and complementary path alongside emerging fuels.
Call to action at /ES.2
Industry stakeholders urge /ES.2 to:
