The latest global maritime regulatory developments and guidelines: 2023 trends and impact

The American Bureau of Shipping on 1 November 2023 published a new report summarizing the latest global regulatory developments and guidelines, as well as their impact on the maritime industry.

From reductions in the carbon intensity of shipping to the use of future fuels and autonomous ship capabilities, the IMO and regional regulators continue to pursue unified regulatory consensus to improve safety, efficiency and technological leadership in the maritime industry. 

Regulatory Trends and Impact 2023 outlines key regulatory developments at the IMO and at the regional level, addressing local issues which can often serve as a foundation for future global regulations.

“The regulatory landscape in the maritime industry is complex and ever-changing. Advancements in technology, safety and efficiency are constantly evolving and driving compliance updates. At ABS, we closely monitor the activities and decisions of governing bodies, and we take pride in offering our assessments as quickly as possible. This publication is a turnkey solution, another way for us to share comprehensive information with stakeholders all in one place,” said Stamatis Fradelos, ABS Vice President, Regulatory Affairs.

Top takeaways from the new ABS publication include: 

• The more ambitious deadlines of the revised 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction strategy will now consider the whole life cycle of marine fuels.     
• The proposed mid-term GHG reduction measures consist of a technical measure regulating the reduction of the marine fuel’s GHG intensity and an economic measure on the basis of a GHG emissions pricing mechanism.
• The report highlights the potential impacts of the latest EU regional measures under the FIT for 55 legislative package as well as the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) beginning in 2024 followed by the FuelEU maritime regulation starting in 2025.
• ABS also provides information about U.S. proposed policies to eliminate the emissions of GHG and other air pollutants and impose carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships and cold- ironing when at berth.
• The Panama Canal Green Route Plan 2050 that aims to reduce the canal's carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices is also detailed in the new ABS report.

Download a copy of Regulatory Trends and Impact 2023 here.