Bunker Holding on MEPC 84: ‘Industry does not need perfection but it needs predictability’

Bunker Holding on Monday (4 May) released a social media post on its summary of the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), held from 27 April to 1 May: 

The outcome of MEPC 84 at the International Maritime Organization confirms what many across the industry already sensed, which is that progress is being made but uncertainty remains.

Over the past two weeks, discussions on the NZF (Net-Zero Framework) and supporting measures moved forward in important ways. Technical work on key building blocks such as fuel certification, GFI methodologies, and reward mechanisms has advanced, and a broad majority of member states signalled support for the NZF as a foundation.

At the same time, several critical elements remain unresolved. The design of the Net-Zero Fund is still unclear, key aspects of energy efficiency regulation (including CII and SEEMP) have been delayed, and further negotiations will be needed to align positions across member states. So, the direction is clearer, but the pathway is not yet fully defined.

Here are the five takeaways from the NZF discussions at MEPC 84:

• A broad majority of member states expressed support for the NZF as a foundation, signalling continued momentum.
• Technical work progressed on key elements such as fuel certification, GFI calculation and verification, and reward mechanisms.
• Lifecycle assessment discussions advanced, particularly around methodology, sustainability criteria, and land-use considerations.
• The Net-Zero Fund remains undefined, despite its importance for ensuring an equitable global transition.
• Several countries indicated openness to compromise, meaning further negotiation – and uncertainty – is inevitable.

From our perspective as a global marine fuel supplier, this reinforces a simple point. The industry does not need perfection but it needs predictability.

Investment in alternative marine fuels and infrastructure depends on credible, stable frameworks. Clarity on market-based mechanisms, lifecycle methodologies, and reward systems will be essential to scale solutions across a diverse global fleet.

We remain fuel-agnostic in our approach, because the transition will not be driven by a single fuel or technology. It will require a portfolio of solutions, supported by regulation that works in practice across regions and trading patterns.

MEPC 84 did not deliver final answers, but it did show continued engagement and a willingness to move forward. The next phase of discussions will be critical to turn that momentum into the certainty the industry needs. 

Our role remains unchanged: to support our customers today, while enabling the transition as the regulatory framework takes shape.

Related: IMO: MEPC ‘back on track’ towards consensus on global shipping emissions
Related: DNV on IMO MEPC 84: Revisiting Net‑Zero Framework
Related: MEPC 84 opening: IMO Sec-Gen urges for constructive and pragmatic exchanges

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 6 May, 2026