Seaways Focus - November 2025
Seeking clarity
by Captain John Lloyd FNI, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute
For several months, perhaps years, maritime professionals have been waiting for clarity on matters related to the Net Zero Framework devised by the IMO. Such clarity is required to ensure investment in new propulsion and new machinery can be carefully planned and the necessary training arrangements put in place. The new framework was, it appeared, supported by member nations, and that clarity seemed within reach. Until very recently.
During October, the IMO’s Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) met with the anticipation of adopting the Framework, leading shipping in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and signalling a bold step forward as the world moves to a decarbonised energy solution.
In the event, uncertainty due to political and economic considerations is impacting on the decision-making of the shipping industry linked to the new fuels, meaning the expected progress has not been made. The MEPC business of the day has been adjourned for a year.
As the leading professional body for mariners, we maintain a close interest in the discussions and decisions at the IMO and hope a positive and constructive environment can be restored for these and other important discussions.
Contributing on the international stage at the IMO is a valuable way in which we represent the interests of our members. My thanks to the IMO Committee for their guidance and oversight.
Sharing our progress
The work of all of our Committees is significant, helping shape the operations of our Institute, and I am thrilled that we will be hosting a combined meeting of all the various Nautical Institute Committees in person at our headquarters in London during early November. The meeting will allow us to update Committee members on the activities described in the Strategic Plan for the years ahead and to reflect on the progress made during the current plan. We will share progress on the project work being undertaken, explore plans and ideas for new publications and take advice on how we can provide further support and benefits to our members.
The Committee structure is an important part of our governance and we always welcome new insights and talent into our key operational committees:
- the Professional Development Committee
- the Technical Committee
- the IMO Committee
If you are interested to learn more about the work of these Committees or to have the opportunity to serve on one of them, please let me know by writing to: [email protected]
Enhancing offshore safety
Our contribution to maritime safety in the offshore sector was under the spotlight in late September as we hosted the fifth Global Offshore Energy and Training Providers’ event in Istanbul. Leading professionals from across the sector delivered key insights into offshore operations and developments. This was an opportunity for the whole community to contribute to rich discussions on how we can continue to improve our qualifications.
Providing a global standard of training and assessment helps ensure every employer knows the training background of DPOs and can tailor specific operational requirements to their particular need. A common standard is a safer standard, and we thank all those who have committed to making this the preferred industry solution.
Later we were able to share our thoughts on the importance of leadership in the maritime sector at the Marine Technology Society DP conference in Houston where once again we were joined by outstanding operators in the sector.