A global framework
for responsible ship finance
The Poseidon Principles provide a frameworkfor integrating climate considerations into lending decisions
to promote international shipping’s decarbonisation
The Poseidon Principles are a framework for financial institutions to assess and disclose the climate alignment of shipping portfolios. They are based on four principles that establish a common methodology for transparently tracking progress towards maritime decarbonisation.
The framework was developed to recognise the role financial institutions play in promoting responsible environmental stewardship throughout the maritime value chain. They aim to support the environmental and social goals of the international shipping industry by bridging ambitions with the expanding expectations and reporting requirements of financial institutions.
Many types of financial institutions with business activities related to international shipping are eligible to join and use the framework, including secured lenders, ECAs, private equity firms, hedge funds, marine insurers, brokers, and more.
As banks, we recognise that our role in the shipping industry enables us to promote responsible environmental stewardship throughout the global maritime value chain. The Poseidon Principles will not only serve our institutions to improve decision-making at a strategic level but will also shape a better future for the shipping industry and our society
Michael Parker,
Vice Chairman, Global Corporate Banks at Citi and previous Chair of the Poseidon Principles
Principle 1
Assessment
Commitment:
Signatories will measure the emission intensity of their shipping portfolios on an annual basis and assess their climate alignment relative to established decarbonisation trajectories. This assessment is based on a robust industry-appropriate methodology outlined in the Technical Guidance.
Principle 2
Accountability
Commitment:
Signatories will rely on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and recognised organisations (RO) for the provision of identical, unbiased information for all steps of assessing climate alignment as identified in the Technical Guidance. This includes honouring mandatory IMO regulations for collecting and reporting fuel oil consumption information in the IMO Data Collection System (DCS).
Principle 3
Enforcement
Commitment:
Signatories will include a covenant clause, or a binding agreement, in all new shipping business activities which ensures access to high quality data and compliance with the Poseidon Principles. Signatories commit to working with clients to gather the necessary information to assess climate alignment.
Principle 4
Transparency
Commitment:
Signatories will publicly acknowledge their participation in the Poseidon Principles and publish their climate alignment scores in the Poseidon Principles Annual Disclosure Report and their own corporate reports each year.
Annual Disclosure Report 2025
Representing almost three-quarters of the global ship finance portfolio, the Poseidon Principles are proud to present their sixth annual report, which shows 35 signatories climate alignment scores against the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy aiming for net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.
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Where to find us
Amaliegade 33 B, 3rd floor
1256 Copenhagen K
Denmark
VAT number: 40632379
The Poseidon Principles are a framework for financial institutions to assess and disclose the climate alignment of shipping portfolios. They are based on four principles that establish a common methodology for transparently tracking progress towards maritime decarbonisation.
The framework was developed to recognise the role financial institutions play in promoting responsible environmental stewardship throughout the maritime value chain. They aim to support the environmental and social goals of the international shipping industry by bridging ambitions with the expanding expectations and reporting requirements of financial institutions.
Many types of financial institutions with business activities related to international shipping are eligible to join and use the framework, including secured lenders, ECAs, private equity firms, hedge funds, marine insurers, brokers, and more.
⟶ Learn more about membership types
⟶ Download the Technical Guidance
Principle 1
Assessment
Signatories will measure the emission intensity of their shipping portfolios on an annual basis and assess their climate alignment relative to established decarbonisation trajectories. This assessment is based on a robust industry-appropriate methodology outlined in the Technical Guidance.
Principle 2
Accountability
Signatories will rely on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and Recognized Organizations (RO) for the provision of identical, unbiased information for all steps of assessing climate alignment as identified in the Technical Guidance. This includes honouring mandatory IMO regulations for collecting and reporting fuel oil consumption information in the IMO Data Collection System (DCS).
Principle 3
Enforcement
Signatories will include a covenant clause, or a binding agreement, in all new shipping business activities which ensures access to high quality data and compliance with the Poseidon Principles. Signatories commit to working with clients to gather the necessary information to assess climate alignment.
Principle 4
Transparency
Signatories will publicly acknowledge their participation in the Poseidon Principles and publish their climate alignment scores in the Poseidon Principles Annual Disclosure Report and their own corporate reports each year.
Annual Disclosure Report 2025
Representing almost three-quarters of the global ship finance portfolio, the Poseidon Principles are proud to present their sixth annual report, which shows 35 signatories climate alignment scores against the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy aiming for net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.
June 9, 2026Poseidon Principles charts next chapter at high-level Oslo meeting
January 8, 2026Poseidon Principles Chair Michael Parker steps down, replaced by current Vice Chair Paul Taylor
December 15, 2025Global shipping finance transparency initiative reveals closer alignment with climate goals
December 9, 2025The Poseidon Principles are looking for a new Technical Advisory – RFP
May 28, 2025Poseidon Principles Association gathers in London to reflect on achievements and chart future course
April 3, 2025Sfil joins Poseidon Principles as its 36th Signatory
December 12, 2024Global shipping finance portfolio moves closer to alignment with net zero climate goals
May 2, 2024Poseidon Principles Association unites 35 Signatories for Annual Meeting: Elects new Steering Committee members and maps future activities”
February 28, 2024Swedbank joins Poseidon Principles as its 35th signatory
Where to find us
c/o Global Maritime Forum
Amaliegade 33 B, 3rd floor
1256 Copenhagen K
Denmark
VAT number: 40632379
Follow us