When the International Maritime Organization (IMO) postponed adoption of its long-awaited Net Zero Framework this October, the decision shook up power dynamics and strategies across the industry. In this episode, we unpack what happened inside and outside the negotiation room, and what it means for shipping’s path to zero emissions.

Beyond regulatory frameworks, this conversation highlights the pivotal role of the bunker sector in making low-carbon fuels viable and accelerating the shipping industry's energy transition.

Joining Lora in conversation is Maria Skipper Schwenn, Director of Public Affairs at Bunker Holding. Maria has a breadth of experience on both sides of the table: in political and commercial associations, in Brussels, for Danish Shipping, and at Bunker Holding, the world’s largest bunker supplier.

In today’s episode, she will share her experience from inside the Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting and the geopolitical pressures that upended the vote. She explains how procedural tactics reshaped the approval process, and why the industry will now have to rely on a patchwork of regional measures to accelerate the decarbonisation of shipping.

Beyond the IMO, we also discuss how the bunker sector plays a critical role in providing low-carbon fuels, investments, and innovation to drive the energy transition.

The marine market is still new for many alternative fuel producers, so suppliers like Bunker Holding are playing a critical part to build new partnerships and deliver biofuels safely and reliably to ports worldwide.

Maria will unpack this work, and share her vision for what progress looks like in the industry now: driving new technical collaboration, supporting first movers investing in green fuels, and cultivating a generational shift in leadership to push for greater transparency and impact. Because no matter the voting outcome, today and tomorrow, the work continues.

About Maria Skipper Schwenn: LinkedIn

About Bunker Holding: Website

About the SASHA Coalition: Website

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn

Subscribe to the Navigating Zero Newsletter