Professional Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
Analyse the IMO Net-Zero Framework, the fuel intensity standard, carbon pricing and fleet strategy towards 2050. A private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets?
The Professional 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 associated funds and credits, voluntary markets and the strategy a fleet must adopt to reach 2050.
What sets it apart is real-time tracking of the regulation, a joint view of IMO measures alongside the EU ETS and FuelEU, an analysis of carbon economics and a final practical case: a complete Net-Zero roadmap for a shipping company. It is a private online professional programme with a Navalis Institute certificate.
Programme highlights
- Real-time regulation: follow the IMO negotiation process and its scenarios.
- Global and European perspective: how IMO measures will coexist with the EU ETS and FuelEU.
- Carbon economics: prices, credits, funds and their effect on freight rates.
- Fleet strategy: tools to make investment decisions under uncertainty.
- Flexible format: 800 applied hours, compatible with work.
- Anticipate costs: calculate the impact on operating costs and freight rates.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
The IMO and Climate Governance of Shipping
- 1.1. How the IMO and the MEPC work
- 1.2. Adoption and entry into force of amendments
- 1.3. The IMO GHG Strategy and its goals
- 1.4. Positions of State groups
- 1.5. Role of industry and NGOs
- 1.6. Relationship with the Paris Agreement
- 1.7. Just and equitable transition
- 1.8. Negotiation timeline and scenarios
The IMO Net-Zero Framework
- 2.1. Structure of the proposed framework
- 2.2. Global fuel intensity standard
- 2.3. Base and direct compliance tiers
- 2.4. Surplus and deficit units
- 2.5. Pricing mechanism and contributions
- 2.6. IMO Net-Zero Fund and use of revenues
- 2.7. Ships covered and exemptions
- 2.8. Pending issues and approval scenarios
Life-Cycle Analysis of Fuels
- 3.1. IMO LCA guidelines
- 3.2. Well-to-tank and tank-to-wake emissions
- 3.3. Default values and certificates
- 3.4. Biofuels and sustainability criteria
- 3.5. Electronic fuels (e-fuels)
- 3.6. Certification and chain of custody
- 3.7. Fraud risks and verification
- 3.8. Comparison with the European methodology
Carbon Markets and Pricing Mechanisms
- 4.1. Fundamentals of carbon markets
- 4.2. Taxes versus emissions trading
- 4.3. Carbon price and investment signals
- 4.4. Compliance credits and their trading
- 4.5. Voluntary markets and book and claim
- 4.6. Credit quality and reputational risk
- 4.7. Reward funds for zero-emission ships
- 4.8. Experience from other sectors
Coexistence with European Regulation
- 5.1. Maritime EU ETS
- 5.2. FuelEU Maritime
- 5.3. Risk of double regulation
- 5.4. Planned reviews of European legislation
- 5.5. Adjustment mechanisms
- 5.6. Impact on European and international routes
- 5.7. Carbon leakage risk and port-call diversion
- 5.8. Combined compliance strategies
Economic Impact on Shipping Companies and Supply Chains
- 6.1. Compliance cost by ship type
- 6.2. Pass-through to freight rates and tariffs
- 6.3. Competitiveness of efficient ships
- 6.4. Asset value and obsolescence risk
- 6.5. Charter party clauses and cost sharing
- 6.6. Impact on shippers and end customers
- 6.7. Shipping and trade of developing countries
- 6.8. Economic scenario modelling
Fleet Strategy towards 2050
- 7.1. Analysis of the current fleet
- 7.2. Fuel and technology options
- 7.3. Ships ready for future fuels
- 7.4. Optimal timing of investment
- 7.5. Alliances for fuel supply
- 7.6. Green finance and bank criteria
- 7.7. Managing regulatory uncertainty
- 7.8. Internal governance of decarbonisation
Practical Case: A Shipping Company's Net-Zero Roadmap
- 8.1. Selection of fleet and routes
- 8.2. Baseline emissions inventory
- 8.3. Regulatory scenarios
- 8.4. Calculation of compliance costs
- 8.5. Selection of measures and fuels
- 8.6. Fleet renewal plan
- 8.7. Communication plan for customers and investors
- 8.8. Final report for the board of directors
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
Questions about the Professional Diploma in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and Maritime Carbon Markets
Its adoption is still being negotiated at the IMO. The diploma analyses the proposed text, the timeline and the possible scenarios, and is updated with every development.
This one focuses on global regulation and long-term strategy; the other focuses on practical compliance with the European rules currently in force.
No. Economic concepts are explained in an applied way.
Yes. The impact on asset values and green finance are covered in detail.
A complete Net-Zero roadmap for a shipping company, ready to present to management.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 800 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the calendar given to you at enrolment.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: a qualification in engineering, nautical science, economics, law or environmental science, or professional experience in the maritime, energy or financial sector.
- Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow classes and materials; basic technical English is recommended, as much of the sector's regulation and documentation is published in English.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.