A seminar focusing on the regulatory landscape, market developments and contractual responses developed by BIMCO in relation to global maritime decarbonisation
The BIMCO 180 Seminar on Global Maritime Decarbonisation provides participants with a structured and commercially focused overview of the regulatory environment at the International Maritime Organization, European Union and other major jurisdictions. With decarbonisation requirements continuing to evolve, stakeholders face complex operational, compliance and contractual challenges.
At a time when the IMO process is in flux, regional measures are under revision and geopolitical shifts are reshaping regulatory trajectories, this seminar does not attempt to predict outcomes. Instead, it aims to create clarity in a highly uncertain landscape by outlining what can be said with confidence today and by demonstrating how companies can navigate and apply the current requirements in practice.
Across the two sessions, participants are introduced to contractual frameworks – including relevant existing and forthcoming BIMCO clauses – and to the ways companies can work across departments to manage compliance, verify data, address commercial impacts and respond effectively to evolving regulatory expectations.
Discounts
A 10% group discount is available for registering three or more participants from the same company.
What will you learn?
Day 1: Global decarbonisation framework – IMO, EU and beyond (90 minutes)
Introduction: The first day of the seminar provides a clear and structured overview of the current global decarbonisation landscape, focusing on what can be said with confidence at this point in time. Rather than forecasting regulatory outcomes, the session outlines the status of ongoing initiatives at IMO, within the EU and in selected other key jurisdictions, highlighting areas of uncertainty and the factors shaping future developments. Participants are introduced to the mechanisms, requirements and market interactions that define the present regulatory environment before closing with an open Q&A.
Content overview:
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Setting the scene: Overview of international climate goals, industry drivers (regulatory pressure, market expectations, investor influence), emerging compliance costs and market distortions
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IMO developments: The revised IMO GHG Strategy and updated targets towards 2050 (MARPOL Annex VI changes and status of mid-term measures), possible future IMO market‑based measures, latest developments at IMO MEPC 85 taking place from 30 November to 3 December
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EU and other measures: Practical application of EU ETS in shipping and FuelEU Maritime, what is in the pipeline on revision of the EU ETS, UK ETS and its interaction with EU ETS/FuelEU Maritime, and selected developments in other major jurisdictions where relevant
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Alternative fuels and emerging technologies: Overview of alternative fuels, introduction to Guidelines for developing and implementing a safety management system for alternative fuels developed by the Maritime Technologies Forum in collaboration with BIMCO and other organisations, and a brief introduction to onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) as an emerging maritime decarbonisation technology
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Compliance and risk landscape: Monitoring, reporting and verification obligations across frameworks, managing multi‑jurisdictional compliance for a single voyage, interplay with ISM company and responsibilities
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Q&A: Questions from participants and practical examples from the speakers.
Day 2: Commercial and contractual implications – practical application and company perspective (90 minutes)
Introduction: The second day of the seminar focuses on the practical side of decarbonisation: how companies translate complex regulatory requirements into day‑to‑day operational, commercial and contractual decisions. The session examines how regulations affect fuel procurement, voyage planning, pooling arrangements, CII performance, data flows and cost allocation in real commercial settings. Participants will gain insight into how different departments within a company must work together to ensure compliance, manage exposure, and navigate the rapidly evolving landscape. The session concludes with an open Q&A.
Content overview:
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BIMCO clauses providing contractual responses to decarbonisation regulations: Overview of key BIMCO contractual responses, including the FuelEU Maritime Clauses, ETS Clauses and the most recent Biofuel Clause for Time Charter Parties, with discussion of their practical application and allocation of responsibilities between owners and charterers and related issues such as data sharing, cost allocation, documentation requirements, pooling arrangements and potential areas of dispute.
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Commercial impacts in practice: How IMO, EU and other measures affect fuel costs, voyage planning, operational speeds, chartering strategies and internal workflows across departments.
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Practical commercial arrangements – pooling: How pooling structures allocate ETS and FuelEU‑related costs, emissions responsibility and reporting obligations; common operational challenges and contractual considerations.
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Navigating compliance within a company: How owners, operators and technical managers coordinate responsibilities, data collection, decision‑making and risk management across teams to ensure consistent compliance.
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Verification and what verifiers look for: Key documentation and data required, how verifiers assess accuracy, typical problem areas and what companies can do to prepare and streamline the process.
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Fuel supply, certification and new energy carriers: Use of biofuels, supplier information requirements, certification standards, lifecycle emissions accounting and their effect on bunker terms and liability cascades.
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Q&A: Questions from participants and practical examples from the speakers.
Starting time (for both sessions 1 and 2)
09:00 UTC
10:00 CET
See the time in your local time zone.
Why choose to participate?
This seminar equips participants with an essential understanding of how global decarbonisation regulations are reshaping the maritime industry. Across two focused sessions, it brings together the regulatory landscape with the concrete commercial, operational and contractual implications these developments create for owners, charterers, operators and related stakeholders.
By combining regulatory insight with practical examples and BIMCO’s suite of contractual solutions, the seminar supports participants in navigating complexity, aligning internal frameworks and managing the day‑to‑day application of decarbonisation requirements. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of compliance obligations, cost exposure, risk allocation, fuel‑related challenges, certification requirements, verification expectations and the contractual tools available to address them.
The seminar is designed not just to inform but to enhance market readiness, enabling participants to position their organisations at the forefront of regulatory compliance, competitive advantage and responsible decarbonisation strategy.
How will this course help your professional development?
This seminar will deepen your understanding of the regulatory, commercial and contractual dimensions of maritime decarbonisation, increasing your ability to navigate IMO, EU and other requirements effectively. You will be better placed to interpret relevant regulations, assess commercial and operational impacts, and apply the relevant BIMCO clauses and compliance tools in practice, including those linked to data management, pooling, fuel procurement and verification processes.
By participating, you will strengthen your capacity to support your organisation’s decarbonisation strategy, manage emerging risks, and contribute to practical, future‑ready decision‑making across departments – ensuring your company can apply regulatory requirements consistently and respond confidently to verification expectations.
Course materials
BIMCO issues electronic course files as an Adobe PDF file enabling you to make personal notes. All documentation and presentations will be in English. Course access details will be provided a week before the course start date if the registration is completed.
