Following the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decision in October 2025 to postpone adoption of its proposed Net Zero Framework (NZF) for 12 months, uncertainty has grown across global and regional policy landscapes.
IMCA’s Seas of Change seminar on 12 November 2025 will be the first external forum for the offshore and marine contracting community to hear directly from experts who were in the IMO room, providing you with first-hand insight into what happened during the negotiations, what the IMO is expected to do in the 12 months before reconvening the Extraordinary Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC ES.2) to further consider the Framework and how regional and national policies which are already being developed may evolve in that period.
| “After an unprecedented week at the IMO, the industry needs clarity and connection,” states our Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs. “This seminar gives the offshore and marine contracting communities the first opportunity to hear directly from those who were in the room understanding what happened, what the IMO will work on over the next year, and how regional policies may develop in response.” |
What attendees will gain
• A clear briefing on what occurred at IMO and why adoption of the framework was deferred.
• Insight into how regional measures, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), FuelEU Maritime, UK initiatives, and Norway’s developing policies, may evolve during the 12-month pause .
• Practical discussion of implications for offshore shipping operations, compliance and investment planning.
• An open Q&A conducted under the Chatham House Rule to support candid and informed exchange.
Indicative agenda
• What happened at IMO and the immediate implications.
• Regional Outlooks: EU, UK, and Norwegian developments.
• Panel Discussion: “Twelve months of uncertainty, what should industry prepare for?”
• Interactive Q&A (Chatham House Rule).
Who should attend
• Vessel owners and operators
• Marine contractors and service providers
• Sustainability, compliance, and regulatory professionals
• Charterers, financiers, and policymakers seeking alignment on best practices
The morning session will focus on policy developments and their impact on the sector and the afternoon will allow for a more technical discussion on key issues including sustainable fuels and nuclear power.
Speakers include:
• Dr Edmund Hughes - International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) IBIA Representative to the IMO
• Tore Longva, Decarbonization Director, Regulatory Affairs, DNV
• Henk-Erik Sierink - Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the NL | Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Shipping Unit, Maritime Directorate
• Elisabeth Løkshall, Advisor – International Cooperation and Climate, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association
• Edwin Pang, Founder & Director, Arcsilea
• Francesco Sandrelli - UK Chamber of Shipping | Policy Director – Environment
• Tobi Menzies, Core Power
• Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs, IMCA (Moderator for the day)
Followed by a Panel session where you can put questions directly to key experts, including:
• Henk-Erik Sierink - Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the NL | Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Shipping Unit, Maritime Directorate
• Tore Longva, Decarbonization Director, Regulatory Affairs, DNV
• Anaëlle Boudry, Senior Policy Advisor for Climate & Environment, European Shipowners/European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA)
Media and attribution
The seminar will operate under the Chatham House Rule to enable open discussion while protecting speakers. Journalists are welcome; attribution of remarks requires post-event consent.
Supporting partner: IBIA
Programme subject to change.
Members may wish to read:
Fragile Lifelines: Protecting Subsea Cables in the Baltic
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