Next step to net zero: MIAL welcomes release of Maritime Emissions Reduction
National Action Plan (MERNAP) – 26th August, 2026
Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL) welcomes today’s release of Australia’s Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP), describing it as an important signpost for an industry facing some of the most complex challenges in the transition to net zero.
Announced at today’s welcome ceremony for the new world-first battery-powered CSL vessel MV Yampu, MERNAP will give much needed clarity to the maritime industry, with the new national framework helping to guide long term investment decisions and deployment of capital towards new builds, fleet acquisitions and retrofitting.
Angela Gillham, MIAL CEO, says today’s announcement provides a roadmap for the transition to zero and near-zero emission shipping, but cautions that maritime decarbonisation efforts must remain closely aligned with the global approach led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“Shipping is inherently global, therefore decisions regarding the adoption of an international regulatory framework are critically important to our industry,” said Ms. Gillham.
MIAL has long advocated for the development and release of a national maritime decarbonisation pathway and has worked closely with Government throughout the development of MERNAP, including through MIAL’s” Maritime Decarbonisation Summits and submissions to the formal consultation process.
“Shipping is a notoriously hard-to-abate sector. The vessels, fuels and infrastructure required for the transition involve significant capital investment and long investment horizons, and many of the technology and fuel pathways are still developing. Industry needs clear and consistent signals from government if it is going to make those long-term investment decisions with confidence.”
“There is work we can and should be doing now to prepare our ports, fuel supply chains, workforce and regulatory systems for the transition, and to ensure Australian maritime businesses are well-positioned to
leverage the opportunities it creates.”
“The release of MERNAP is not the end of this work – it is the point from which we move from planning into implementation,” said Ms Gillham.
“MIAL looks forward to continuing to work with the Government and broader maritime industry to turn the plan into practical action, and ensure Australia has a sector that is competitive, capable, transition-ready and poised for growth.”
