
Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
Explains how global climate regulation for shipping is being built and how to prepare for it. You will study the Net-Zero Framework under negotiation at the IMO, the fuel intensity standard, carbon pricing mechanisms, the related…
Prior Knowledge Assessment
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What is the Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets?
The Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
Explains how global climate regulation for shipping is being built and how to prepare for it. You will study the Net-Zero Framework under negotiation at the IMO, the fuel intensity standard, carbon pricing mechanisms, the related funds and credits, voluntary markets and the strategy a fleet needs to reach 2050.
Key advantages
- Regulation as it happens: Following the IMO negotiation process and its scenarios.
- Global and European view: How IMO measures will sit alongside the EU ETS and FuelEU.
- Carbon economics: Prices, credits, funds and their effect on freight.
- Fleet strategy: Tools for making investment decisions under uncertainty.
- Focused format: Applied content that fits around your job.
Programme highlights
- Understand the negotiations: Learn the IMO process and member states’ positions.
- Master carbon pricing: Analyse market mechanisms and compliance credits.
- Anticipate costs: Calculate the impact on operating costs and freight.
- Design strategies: Build a 2050 roadmap for the fleet.
- Advise with authority: Prepare to guide investment decisions.
- Get ahead of global climate regulation in shipping.
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
The IMO and Climate Governance of Shipping
- How the IMO and MEPC work
- Adoption and entry into force of amendments
- The IMO GHG strategy and its targets
- Positions of groups of states
- Role of industry and NGOs
- Links with the Paris Agreement
- A just and equitable transition
- Negotiation timeline and scenarios
The IMO Net-Zero Framework
- Structure of the proposed framework
- Global fuel intensity standard
- Base and direct compliance targets
- Surplus and remedial units
- Pricing mechanism and contributions
- IMO Net-Zero Fund and use of revenue
- Ships in scope and exemptions
- Open issues and adoption scenarios
Life-Cycle Analysis of Fuels
- IMO LCA guidelines
- Well-to-tank and tank-to-wake emissions
- Default values and certificates
- Biofuels and sustainability criteria
- Electrofuels (e-fuels)
- Certification and chain of custody
- Fraud risk and verification
- Comparison with the EU methodology
Carbon Markets and Pricing Mechanisms
- Fundamentals of carbon markets
- Levies versus emissions trading
- Carbon prices and investment signals
- Compliance credits and trading
- Voluntary markets and book and claim
- Credit quality and reputational risk
- Reward funds for zero-emission ships
- Experience from other sectors
Co-existence with European Regulation
- The maritime EU ETS
- FuelEU Maritime
- Risk of double regulation
- Planned reviews of EU rules
- Adjustment mechanisms
- Impact on European and international routes
- Carbon leakage and port call diversion
- Combined compliance strategies
Financial Impact on Shipowners and Supply Chains
- Compliance cost by ship type
- Pass-through to freight and tariffs
- Competitiveness of efficient ships
- Asset values and obsolescence risk
- Charter contracts and cost sharing
- Impact on shippers and end customers
- Shipping and trade of developing countries
- Economic scenario modelling
Fleet Strategy to 2050
- Analysis of the current fleet
- Fuel and technology options
- Ships ready for future fuels
- Optimal timing of investment
- Fuel supply partnerships
- Green finance and bank criteria
- Managing regulatory uncertainty
- Internal governance of decarbonisation
Case Study: Net-Zero Roadmap for a Shipping Company
- Choosing the fleet and routes
- Baseline emissions inventory
- Regulatory scenarios
- Calculating compliance costs
- Selecting measures and fuels
- Fleet renewal plan
- Communication plan for customers and investors
- Final report for the board
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Shipping executives and strategists: planning long-term investments Sustainability managers: in shipping and logistics Financial and investment analysts: assessing maritime assets Maritime administration staff: involved in international negotiations Maritime consultants and lawyers: advising on climate regulation
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.








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Learning Outcomes
- 01Understand the IMO process
- 02Analyse the Net-Zero Framework
- 03Assess market mechanisms
- 04Calculate the financial impact
- 05Relate global and regional rules
- 06Build a fleet strategy
Career Opportunities
Entry Requirements
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry profile: A degree in engineering, nautical science, economics, law or environmental science, or professional experience in the maritime, energy or financial sector. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
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