Setting the Course: IMEF Working Group Kicks Off

The newly formed IMPA Environmental Footprint (IMEF) Working Group held its very first meeting on 29th January 2025, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to shape an industry-wide standard for calculating Scope 3 emissions in maritime procurement. The meeting brought together a diverse group of industry experts, including representatives from leading shipping companies, ship suppliers, procurement specialists and organisations, and sustainability advocates.

IMPA COO Stephen Alexander welcomed attendees, emphasising the significance of this initiative in driving meaningful change. IMPA SAVE Co-Founder Mikael Karlsson of Northern Marine Group reinforced the need for collaboration, urging members to consider who else should be at the table to strengthen the group’s impact. IMPA SAVE Council Member Rasmus Elsborg-Jensen of ReFlow, who led the discussions, outlined the primary objective of the meeting: to establish a roadmap and agree on key agenda points for future sessions, so together the industry can shape the right standard.

One major topic of discussion was the importance of defining the standard and setting up a timeline for implementation, after which the group can work on a ‘toolbox’ to standardise data collection and guide stakeholders through the complexities of emission reporting, as participants highlighted the existing challenges companies face in verifying data. Participants also debated the role of digital solutions in streamlining the process, with suggestions to engage procurement software providers and industry associations to broaden the initiative’s reach.

As the meeting concluded, members agreed to reconvene in four weeks. A milestone meeting is also planned around IMPA Hamburg 2025 to assess progress. With a shared vision and commitment, the IMEF Working Group is set to drive lasting improvements in the industry’s environmental footprint management.