IMO COUNTRIES POSTPONE THE VOTE ON NET ZERO FRAMEWORK BY ONE YEAR
ShippingWatch reported that a majority of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states voted this week to delay a decision on the Net Zero Framework (NZF) for global shipping by one year, following intense lobbying by the US and Saudi Arabia. The postponement, decided during an extraordinary meeting in London, was backed by oil-producing nations, China, and major flag states like Liberia and Panama, while most EU countries, Norway, and the UK opposed the move.
The delay follows US President Donald Trump’s public opposition to the proposed carbon tax on shipping emissions, which observers suggest influenced the vote. Trump’s intervention, combined with resistance from key allies, shifted momentum away from adopting the NZF—a framework that included a carbon tax and green fuel requirements. Had the vote proceeded, the agreement risked rejection, which would have undermined the IMO’s credibility as a global regulator.
CLECAT expresses its disappointment at the outcome, stressing that an IMO-led framework is vital to prevent carbon leakage in maritime transport. Inconsistent regional regulations could encourage carriers to redirect ships to areas with less stringent environmental rules. Fragmentation would not only weaken decarbonisation efforts but also create unfair competitive conditions, particularly for European operators. The shipping industry needs clarity, not further uncertainty. CLECAT will continue to push for a robust framework that aligns with global climate goals. Negotiations are now set to resume in 2026.
Source: ShippingWatch