David Appleton: positive plans for the year ahead

As we enter 2025, the maritime industry faces a transformative year driven by regulatory changes, technological advancement, and continued environmental focus. The sector stands at a crucial juncture, with shipowners and seafarers navigating new requirements while pursuing operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

At the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the implementation of the revised greenhouse gas strategy will take centre stage. The IMO's ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions 'by or around' 2050 will see intensified discussions on concrete measures throughout the year. The Marine Environment Protection Committee meetings scheduled for spring and autumn will focus on developing market-based measures and finalising the details of the proposed actions to reduce shipping emissions.

The deadline for the IMO to develop a non-mandatory code for automated and remote-controlled (MASS) vessels has been delayed from 2025 to 2026, but extensive work will be required throughout this year in order to meet the new target date.

Development of the UK’s own regulatory regime for MASS will continue apace, with further regulatory requirements expected for sub-24m remotely operated vessels, and progress to be made on certification requirements for remote operators.

A notable event in the UK maritime calendar will be London International Shipping Week (LISW) in September 2025. It is hoped that LISW will bring together global maritime leaders to address pressing industry challenges, with decarbonisation, digitalisation and maritime innovation expected to dominate the agenda.

It will be a busy year for the Merchant Navy Training Board and maritime colleges in the UK, who are working towards a September 2025 deadline for implementing the modernised cadet training syllabus developed as part of the MCA’s Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme.

Technology adoption will accelerate as the industry embraces digital solutions to meet new regulatory requirements and continues to test and trial new autonomous systems.

The industry must also prepare for new cyber security requirements, as the IMO prepares to develop cyber security standards for ships and port facilities. Port operators and shipping companies will need to demonstrate robust cyber resilience as digital systems become more integrated into maritime operations.

After a challenging 2024 that saw seafarers face unprecedented risks in the Red Sea and elsewhere, Nautilus looks forward to what we hope will be a more stable year ahead, with peaceful resolutions to these crises allowing our essential maritime workers to carry out their vital role in global trade with the safety and security they deserve.