The IMO has just taken a decisive step toward regulating the climate impact of shipping. At MEPC, 81 member states reached agreement on the final draft of a GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) Standard—a groundbreaking framework to measure and reduce the lifecycle emissions of marine fuels.
If ratified this October, this will be the world’s first global carbon pricing mechanism for shipping. It could come into force as early as 2028, provided a majority of member states follow through and incorporate it into national law. That timeline is still uncertain—international regulation moves slowly, and deals are often traded at the diplomatic table. But one thing is clear: the direction is now set.
This will change the game for maritime climate tech.
Stylianos Papageorgiou, Managing Director of lomarlabs
The IMO’s regulatory text on a GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) will give investors the confidence needed to make rational techno-economic decisions.
“A global standard like the IMO’s finalised regulatory text on a GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) coming into force will give investors the confidence, clarity and method needed to make rational techno-economic decisions about maritime climate tech investments; irrespective of whether they’re looking to invest in maritime assets or in maritime technology companies. From my perspective this is helpful.”
— Stylianos Papageorgiou, Managing Director, lomarlabs
At lomarlabs, we welcome this moment. It brings accountability to the carbon economy of shipping. It gives innovators a framework to build around. And it sends a strong signal to capital: now is the time to bet on science, scale and impact.
We’re not waiting for 2028. We’re building for it.
