In the United States (US), Vanguard Renewables, a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), in turn part of BlackRock, has released a white paper outlining how the country is uniquely positioned to benefit from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) upcoming Net-Zero Framework.
Set for formal adoption in October 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations will establish annual greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity limits for large vessels and introduce a market-based measure that prices emissions above those limits.
By replacing fragmented regional policies with a unified global standard, the framework could usher in unprecedented investment and catalyze American leadership in clean fuels, logistics, and maritime export capacity.
Titled “How the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework Can Power American Industry,” and authored by Vanguard Renewables CEO Mike O’Laughlin, it outlines how the United States is uniquely positioned to benefit from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) upcoming Net-Zero Framework.
The International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework could unify global shipping regulations and unlock trillions in economic value, said Mike O’Laughlin, CEO of Vanguard Renewables.
A “once-in-a-generation” opportunity
One of the most promising pathways to meet the IMO’s targets is liquefied biomethane (bioLNG), a maritime fuel derived from renewable natural gas (RNG).
Captured from manure, food waste, and landfills, RNG serves as the feedstock for bioLNG.
When methane abatement is properly credited, bioLNG can achieve very low—and at times even negative—lifecycle carbon intensity.
With unmatched renewable natural gas production capacity, existing infrastructure, and a proven ability to scale, the U.S. is uniquely positioned to lead. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity, but realizing it will require decisive action, strategic implementation, and further investment across US sectors involved in production and delivery infrastructure, Mike O’Laughlin added.
The white paper outlines several key findings that support this opportunity:
- The United States is positioned to lead: With 30-35 percent of global RNG production and 3 million miles of natural gas pipelines, the US has the infrastructure and feedstock to support bioLNG at scale.
- The economic opportunity is massive: Meeting maritime fuel demand could generate US$2-3 trillion in cumulative GDP through 2050, alongside US$105-185 billion in new agricultural revenues and up to 680,000 new jobs.
- Strategic implementation is critical: Methane abatement recognition in lifecycle scoring allows bioLNG to complement LNG and reduce fleet carbon intensity. Book-and-Claim systems connect inland RNG production to coastal bunkering without requiring physical co-movement, enabling scalable logistics.
- Policy clarity will shape investment: The final structure of the IMO rule will determine LNG’s viability in the future fuel mix. Without lifecycle credit, LNG faces rising compliance costs and a weakened investment case.
