The International Maritime Organization’s decision to postpone a global carbon-pricing framework has drawn sharp criticism from industry leaders who say the energy transition at sea is already well underway.

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At its extraordinary session held in London from 14–17 October 2025, the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2) voted to delay for one year the adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, which would have established the world’s first global carbon-pricing mechanism for shipping.

The decision represents a setback for international decarbonisation efforts, effectively maintaining the status quo for fossil fuel producers. Yet, for those already investing in clean-energy solutions—such as shipowners, ports, and private investors—the momentum toward zero-emission shipping is proving irreversible.

NatPower Marine, a major developer of maritime electrification infrastructure, says the industry cannot afford to wait.

“The IMO’s postponement is disappointing, but it cannot be a pause button,” said Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine and NatPower UK. “Shore power and near-shore electrification are proven, scalable, and capable of delivering deep emissions cuts today. Every corridor we electrify removes thousands of tonnes of CO₂, NOₓ, and SOₓ while improving air quality for coastal communities. The opportunity to lead is now, not in a year’s time.”

Innovation Leading Regulation

Sommadossi argues that technological innovation has always outpaced regulation—from aviation and automotive to AI—and shipping is no different.

“The most innovative operators have already decided to go green because it’s both a strategic advantage and a cost-saving measure. While policymakers debate, the industry is building,” he said.

NatPower Marine is pressing ahead with its plan to deliver near-shore electric propulsion and cold ironing infrastructure at 120 global locations. The company expects to invest more than £3 billion by 2030 to establish a connected network of zero-emission maritime energy hubs.

Emerging economies may lose out from the delay, Sommadossi noted, as they were counting on a global carbon-pricing system to fund sustainable port investments. However, private capital could still bridge that gap if projects are included within the growing web of green shipping corridors.

The Rise of Green Corridors

Across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, ports are rapidly electrifying, with clean energy corridors linking high-traffic routes. NatPower Marine’s Heysham–Northern Ireland corridor, built in partnership with Peel Ports Group, is already under construction and will eliminate over 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually from Irish Sea routes.

Sommadossi said the IMO delay only underscores the need for regional action. The EU Emissions Trading System, FuelEU Maritime, the UK ETS, Singapore’s corridor initiatives, and California’s at-berth emissions rules are already shaping the next phase of maritime decarbonisation.

“Global consensus is ideal, but regional regulation is getting the job done,” he said. “Decarbonisation is no longer waiting for a single mechanism—it’s happening route by route, port by port.”

Ports as the Catalyst

Recent findings from the World Maritime University (WMU) and Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI) confirm that ports are becoming central to green shipping transitions. Their Global Green Shipping Development Report (2024–2025) projects that shore power will soon become mandatory in many jurisdictions as emission standards tighten.

“This global trend validates our approach,” Sommadossi said. “Shore power and e-charging infrastructure are not optional—they’re the foundation of clean shipping. Every port that plugs into our network becomes part of the global energy transition.”

Building the Backbone of Clean Shipping

NatPower Marine’s network is supported by the broader NatPower Group, which provides 20 GW of renewable generation and over 100 GWh of battery storage. These assets, strategically located near coastlines, ensure clean power delivery to vessels through private-wire systems and smart PPAs—reducing grid pressure while enabling true zero-emission operations.

Sommadossi calls this integration “the backbone of a clean-shipping network,” linking renewable power generation directly to port and vessel demand.

A Redefinition of Green Corridors

He also called for a broader understanding of what defines a “green corridor.”

“Most have focused on fuel alternatives like e-methanol or ammonia,” he said. “But a truly green corridor must include the full chain—shore power, propulsion charging, renewable generation, and grid integration. That’s how we deliver zero-emission voyages from berth to berth at scale.”

While policymakers take another year to negotiate global consensus, Sommadossi believes the race toward clean shipping is already being won by those who act.

“If this week proved anything,” he concluded, “it’s that we cannot wait for definitions or delays. The future of green shipping will be built, not negotiated.”