The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the Net-Zero Framework(NZF), a major step toward reducing emissions from global shipping. The framework established as part of MEPC83 embeds greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity limits andcarbon accountability directly into MARPOL Annex VI, positioning Wind-Assisted Propulsion as an essential contributor to reducing shipping’s carbon footprint.
Shipping is responsible for more emissions than all airliners combined, and is now thefirst global industry to adopt its own fully enforceable mandatory emissions framework.
“We welcome this historic decision and are fully prepared to support shipowners in meeting the NZF requirements,” said Emmanuel Schalit, OceanWings CEO. “With the new regulations, Wind Propulsion is now formally recognized as a core component of shipping’s decarbonization framework.”
OceanWings’ready-to-deploy, high performance WingSails directly address the new regulatory requirements and are suitable for diverse merchant ships designs. OceanWings reduce fuel consumption and emissions, with real-world data showing average savings of 1.3 tons of fuel and 5.2 tons of CO₂ per day per WingSail. They canbe integrated on both newbuilds and retrofits.
The NZF introduces mandatory carbon intensity reductions for marine fuels and a global emissions pricing mechanism. With fuel being the #1 operating expense for most shipowners and rising operating and compliance costs, Wind Propulsion is uniquely positioned as a mature and immediately scalable response tothe IMO vote.
“With the adoption of NZF, the majority of OceanWings payback scenarios now fall below three to four years, and our technology has the potential to deliver tens of millions of euros in savings per ship over the lifetime of the vessel,” said Schalit.
In the wake of Friday’s historic vote, OceanWings stands ready to support shipowners, operators, and financiers in turning ambition into action, for a more sustainable and efficient future.
