Future Fuel Pathways under a Delayed Net Zero Framework

The round table discussion titled 'Future Fuel Pathways under a Delayed Net Zero Framework' is being convened at a critical juncture for the global maritime sector. The recent postponement in finalizing the IMO Net Zero Framework has created a period of regulatory ambiguity at precisely the moment when shipowners, ports, fuel suppliers, and regulators must make long-term decisions regarding vessel design, fuel procurement, infrastructure investment, and compliance strategies.

Against this backdrop, the discussion seeks to examine the implications of this delay—not as a pause in transition, but as a phase that intensifies the complexity of decision-making. Particular emphasis will be placed on emerging fuel pathways, lifecycle-based regulatory approaches, and preparedness for the GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) regime. Furthermore, the session will address implementation considerations for India and other developing maritime economies, where cost exposure, fuel availability, and institutional readiness remain central concerns.

The round table is organized by the National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS)—a Co-Action Centre of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways—and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Together, these institutions provide integrated policy, regulatory, and technology support for India’s green maritime transition.

Moderation and Keynote The session will be moderated by Shri RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow at TERI. A 1983-batch IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Manipur, Shri Rashmi served as India’s principal negotiator under the UNFCCC and played a pivotal role in shaping India’s positions during the Paris Agreement negotiations. His experience as Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change brings a unique blend of global negotiation insight and domestic policy depth to the discussion.

The deliberations will be anchored by an opening presentation from Mr Christian Føhrby, Public Affairs Manager at the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, Copenhagen. Drawing on his expertise in IMO climate negotiations and policy engagement, Mr. Føhrby will outline the evolving global policy context, the underlying reasons for the delayed Net Zero Framework, and the practical implications for fuel transition planning during this interim period.

Expert Panel The round table brings together a curated group of specialists representing ship design, maritime research, regulatory implementation, classification, and market intelligence. The speakers include:

• Mr Guilhem Gaillarde, Manager – Ships, Maritime Research Institute Netherlands
• Mr Aditya Srivastava, Manager – Energy Efficiency & Decarbonisation, Azolla Pte. Ltd.
• Shri Pravin Kumar Roy, Engineer & Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Technical), Directorate General of Shipping
• Dr Sanjukta Subudhi, Associate Director & Senior Fellow, TERI
• Dr Piyali Das, Associate Director, TERI
• Mr Ayush Verma, Shipping Engagement & Intelligence, S&P Global Commodity Insights
• Mr Lau Øfjord Blaxekjær, Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology (DBI), Denmark
• Mr Karan Doshi, Senior Surveyor, Indian Register of Shipping
• Mr Ashutosh Gautam, Member (Technical), Inland Waterways Authority of India
• Capt Bibhupada Sahoo, Associate General Manager & Dy. PFSO / HOS Marine, Adani Krishnapatnam Port Ltd.

Outcomes and Participation As the inaugural session in a series planned by the NCoEGPS, this discussion aims to set an evidence-based tone informed by operational realities. The insights generated will contribute to a structured white paper designed to support policy dialogue and future research on India’s maritime energy transition.

Participation is by prior registration. Registered participants will receive access details for the hybrid session. We encourage stakeholders from government, industry, and research institutions to register and contribute to this vital dialogue.