The International Maritime Organization (IMO) made headlines last year when it passed an initial vote on its “Net-Zero Framework” in April 2025. The proposed framework would force maritime companies to drastically bring down global maritime emissions by putting a decreasing maximum on the CO₂ content of fuel used onboard vessels. The first global system to move away from fossil fuels was almost reality, and for many, it signaled that large-scale change was finally within reach.

But progress at a political level is rarely linear. At the final vote in October, Member States were unable to reach consensus, and the decision was delayed by a full year.

As the political world is struggling to find its way in dealing with sustainability, the energy transition is moving full force ahead. Companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate progress, particularly when it comes to indirect emissions in Scope 3. This recently became very clear in our Customer Satisfaction Survey, where an overwhelming number of respondents indicated that sustainable logistics services are still on their agenda.

Subsequently, more and more new technologies and alternative fuel options are becoming available. This year for example marks an important milestone in that journey with the arrival of our hydrogen-powered SeaShuttle, designed to operate as the world’s first zero-emission shortsea container vessel. It is a visible example of how Samskip continues to invest in solutions that move logistics forward in a tangible, operational way.

If you’ve been following our work in sustainability, you know that we are not waiting for rules to force us. We prefer being at the forefront of innovation and taking action today. And we believe many of our customers are with us on that. At the same time, we recognize that not every customer can transform their transport set-up overnight. Many want to reduce emissions now, without disrupting established supply chains or introducing operational complexity.

To support those ambitions, Samskip has introduced the FlexFuel program.

FlexFuel is built on the principle of insetting, rather than offsetting. This means that instead of compensating emissions elsewhere, Samskip blends certified biofuels directly into its own transport network. The resulting environmental benefits are then allocated to customers in a certified way, which reduces their Scope 3 emissions. In this way, emission reductions take place within the very system that moves their cargo, making the impact both visible and relevant.

Pressure is increasing to report lower emissions, and especially indirect emissions in Scope 3. Internal targets, sustainability reporting, CSRD, customer demands; everyone is busy trying to get a grip on Scope 3 emissions.

FlexFuel is all about simplifying those emission reductions. No operational changes, no disruptions to your business. Customers can report low, (or no) emissions, while keeping their operational set up as is. Simple, cost effective and fully transparent. Customers of the FlexFuel program get full flexibility in reducing their emissions, 100% ISCC certified biofuels, an audited CO₂ reduction certificate, and all at a very attractive pricing.

The IMO might delay carbon reduction regulations, but we can still create our own impact. At Samskip, we believe progress is created by those who continue to move forward, even when the path is not yet fully defined. Through solutions like the FlexFuel program, we help customers stay on course, reduce their environmental impact, and prepare confidently for the future of sustainable logistics.

Reach out to me directly at sustainability@samskip.com, or call your Samskip contact today, and learn more about how working with Samskip can help you to reach your climate targets.

The plan has not changed. And neither has our commitment.

Laurens Dourleijn

Manager Sustainability, Samskip