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Climate alignment cannot affordto drop off shipping financiers%u2019 radarsIt is a turbulent time for the global shipping sector. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain security concerns, and shifting policy timelines have placed enormous pressure on organisations trying to plan for the long term. Among the most significant recent disruptions was the postponement of the International Maritime Organization%u2019s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework. This delay added a fresh layer of uncertainty to an industry already navigating complex challenges.However, uncertainty is not the same as irrelevance. If anything, recent turbulence makes the case for credible, consistent climate alignment initiatives like the Poseidon Principles more compelling, not less.Launched at the Marine Money Conference in 2019, the Poseidon Principles were the first sector-wide climate alignment framework in global finance. Today, 36 banks and export credit agencies report annually on the alignment of their portfolios with the IMO%u2019s decarbonisation trajectories. Together, they represent nearly three-quarters of global ship finance.The framework has since inspired several similar initiatives across other high-emitting sectors, such as steel, aluminium, aviation, and chartering, a testament to the value of sector-specific transparency initiatives in driving systemic change.The most recent Poseidon Principles Annual Disclosure Report, published in December 2025, offers tangible evidence that progress is being made. Even though decarbonisation pathways are becoming increasingly stringent year-on-year, climate change alignment scores improved by almost eight percentage points compared to the IMO%u2019s minimum ambition. Not only that, but signatories disclosed, on average, 95% of the eligible activities in their portfolios, compared to 93% in the previous year. These are not insignificant gains. They reflect a sector that is moving in the right direction, despite the challenges.The reporting methodology used by Poseidon Principles signatories goes beyond what current regulations require. Whereas regulatory frameworks typically focus on tank-to-wake by Paul Taylor,Global Head of Maritime Industries at Soci%u00e9t%u00e9 G%u00e9n%u00e9raleand Chair of the Poseidon Principles Association*Despite regulatory delays and geopolitical headwinds, the case for transparency in maritime finance has never been stronger, argues Paul Taylor, newly appointed Chair of the Poseidon Principles.Green shipping finance228 NX