Chatham House Rule event to examine what happened at IMO and what comes next for offshore shipping.

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) will host Seas of Change: Marine Policy and Regulatory Updates for Offshore Shipping in Amsterdam on 12 November 2025, marking the first external industry seminar following the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decision to postpone adoption of its proposed Net Zero Framework (NZF) for one year.

Bringing together experts who were present during the IMO deliberations, the event will explore what happened at IMO, what the Organization is expected to do in the 12 months before reconvening the Extraordinary Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC ES.2) to further consider the Framework and how regional and national policies, which are already being developed may evolve in that period.

“After an unprecedented week at the IMO, the industry needs clarity and connection,” states Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs. “This seminar gives the offshore and marine contracting communities the first opportunity to hear directly from those who were in the room, understanding what happened, what the IMO will work on over the next year, and how regional policies may develop in response.”

The programme will also feature technical briefings and moderated discussions under the Chatham House Rule, enabling participants to engage directly with experts while protecting the confidentiality of the dialogue.

The morning session will focus on recent policy developments and their impact on the sector, while the afternoon will provide a more technical discussion on key issues, including sustainable fuels, alternative energy options, and the potential role of nuclear power in future offshore operations.

Key themes include:
•The implications of the IMO delay for the offshore and maritime sectors are significant.
•How regional and national measures may respond, including the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, UK initiatives, and Norwegian climate policy, is under consideration.
•Risks of regulatory fragmentation and potential steps toward harmonisation.
•Industry preparedness for future IMO outcomes.

Confirmed speakers include:
•Dr Edmund Hughes - International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) IBIA Representative to the IMO
•Tore Longva, Decarbonization Director, Regulatory Affairs, DNV
•Henk-Erik Sierink - Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the NL | Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Shipping Unit, Maritime Directorate
•Elisabeth Løkshall, Advisor – International Cooperation and Climate, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association
•Edwin Pang, Founder & Director, Arcsilea
•Francesco Sandrelli - UK Chamber of Shipping | Policy Director – Environment
•Tobi Menzies, Core Power
•Margaret Fitzgerald, Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs, IMCA (Moderator for the day)

Followed by a Panel session where you can put questions directly to key experts, including:

•Henk-Erik Sierink - Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the NL | Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Shipping Unit, Maritime Directorate
•Tore Longva, Decarbonization Director, Regulatory Affairs, DNV
•Daniel Barcarolo, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
•Anaëlle Boudry, Senior Policy Advisor for Climate & Environment, European Shipowners/European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA)

The Seas of Change seminar will provide the first opportunity following the IMO decision for the offshore and marine contracting community to hear directly from IMO experts and international stakeholders on what happened, what the IMO will work on over the coming year, and how regional responses could reshape compliance and operational strategy.

Event details
Event: Seas of Change: Marine Policy and Regulatory Updates for Offshore Shipping
Date/Location: 12 November 2025 at the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam from (9am-5pm)
Format: In-person, under the Chatham House Rule
Registration: Click here
Media: Journalists are welcome; quotation of speaker remarks requires consent after the event.
Attendance is open to IMCA members and the wider offshore and maritime community, including shipowners, operators, regulators, and supply chain partners.