Omid Shakeri, speaking Tuesday (Aug. 5) at a specialized forum on IMO's carbon emission reduction requirements—co-organized by the Iranian Society of Chemical Engineering and the Petroleum University of Technology—stated that “developing a sea-based economy,” a strategic policy issued by the Supreme Leader in November 2023, has become a national imperative.

“These IMO regulations are both a challenge and an opportunity,” Shakeri said. “If we aim to expand international trade, aligning our maritime transportation with global standards is inevitable. With timely action and reliance on local engineering and research capabilities, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity.”

Shakeri pointed out that carbon regulations and marine fuel supply have been explicitly addressed in Article 62 of the Seventh Development Plan law. “Both the 13th and 14th governments have followed this strategic policy,” he said, noting that the Cabinet’s most recent resolution in June 2025 emphasized the need to accelerate compliance with international regulations on bunkering and clean fuels.

He thanked the Petroleum University of Technology and the Society of Chemical Engineering for facilitating the discussion, adding: “We must begin taking clear steps today to leverage this opportunity over the next five years. It’s a strategic and technology-driven path that cannot succeed without the collaboration of universities, research centers, and the private sector.”

 Carbon reduction roadmap, key to preserving Iran’s maritime trade

Mohammadreza Khosravinikou, president of the Petroleum University of Technology, warned of potential sanctions resulting from non-compliance with global carbon regulations and called for a comprehensive national roadmap to reduce emissions in marine transport.

He highlighted that the university’s Mahmoudabad Faculty of Marine Engineering has been training specialists for years, but the national push for a blue economy has elevated the priority of such programs. “Understanding the international decision-making process on carbon is crucial for shaping domestic policy,” he said.

Khosravinikou also praised the Chemical Engineering Society's efforts, saying: “We aim to combine ideas and expertise to produce practical solutions for carbon reduction and create a unified roadmap that aligns with sea-based economic goals and IMO regulations.”

 Shift in fuel regime a hidden threat to oil economies

Ehsan Taqavinejad, director general of OPEC Affairs and International Organizations at the Oil Ministry, warned that new global carbon reduction mandates could have far-reaching consequences for oil-dependent economies.

“Environmental regulations, especially in maritime transport, are increasingly being used as tools for economic pressure on oil-producing nations. This is a hidden but serious threat to our economic future,” he said.

Taqavinejad explained that the OPEC secretary general has been tasked with addressing environmental rules within international institutions, including legal and expert forums, to protect member states from unfair obligations.

“Proposals now on the table include carbon-equivalent penalties of \$380 per ton,” he noted. “That figure could drop to \$100 if countries align with set goals. This two-tier pricing scheme is nearing finalization, and participating countries are essentially endorsing it through their votes.”

He stressed that while these regulations are irreversible, key components such as fund mechanisms, exemptions, and resource allocation are still being negotiated. “Iran must present a clear and independent proposal at the upcoming special session,” he said.

Taghavinejad emphasized the Oil Ministry's responsibility, as Iran’s representative in OPEC and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), to formulate a proposal aligned with national interests, the shipping industry, and international commitments.

“Our voice must be clearly heard in the international arena,” he concluded. “That requires expert consensus and a well-crafted, technical, and practical plan. Fortunately, internal coordination has begun, and we hope to present a coherent and effective stance at the next meeting.”

 Cross-sector collaboration urged on maritime emissions

The session concluded with representatives from four major oil companies, the National Iranian Tanker Company, the Shipping Lines, and environmental experts discussing IMO’s new mandates. The meeting focused on sharing insights and proposing solutions to help Iran’s maritime industry align with global carbon reduction standards, aiming to develop a joint roadmap for navigating the upcoming regulatory landscape.