The IMO fuel standards debate: A pivotal moment for Morocco's green hydrogen prospects

Rachid Ennassiri
Mar 20
1 min read

Photo: Port Tanger Med, taken by the Tanger Med Special Agency, Route de Rabat – Tangier - Morocco.

A new IMAL briefing explores the International Maritime Organization (IMO) fuel standards debate, which represent a pivotal moment for Morocco's green hydrogen prospects as well as for global emissions reductions and other issues.

Key points from the briefing:

As the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) debates maritime GHG Global Fuel Standards and faces choices between e-fuels versus bio-fuels, Morocco stands at a critical juncture.
Whereas green e-fuels offer a zero and near-zero emission solution, biofuels remain contentious with evidence showing they emit up to 87% more emissions than fossil fuels when considering land-use impacts.
Morocco holds a strategic advantage in e-fuels, with around $114 billion green hydrogen investment announcements since 2021, despite cost and infrastructure challenges.
The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee 83 (MEPC 83) outcome in April 2025 will determine whether Morocco can strengthen its role as a potential key supplier of zero and near-zero emission (ZNZ) fuels or may risk marginalization.
Without stronger IMO advocacy for GHG thresholds and sustainability criteria within the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) framework, inadequate or unclear international standards and incentives could undermine Morocco’s green hydrogen ambitions, its role in maritime decarbonization, and its global competitiveness.

The full briefing in English is available for download below. (Please adjust to the French version of this website to access the briefing in French.)