London Global negotiations on a landmark framework to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry have stalled, as countries failed to reach consensus at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The decision on the proposed Net-Zero Framework has been deferred for 12 months, despite mounting pressure to align maritime transport with the 2050 net-zero emissions target.
The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adjourned its extraordinary session in London without agreement. The draft framework initially approved in principle in April—would amend the MARPOL treaty to introduce a global fuel standard and pricing mechanism for shipping emissions, which currently account for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gases.
In his closing remarks, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urged delegates to use the coming year to rebuild trust. “There are no winners and losers in this session,” he said. “Let us take this moment to learn from it and come back ready to negotiate.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the outcome “a missed opportunity” to place the shipping sector on a credible path to decarbonization. He emphasized that maritime transport—responsible for 80% of global trade must urgently reduce its climate impact.
Media reports suggest that opposition from major economies, including the United States, centered on concerns that the proposed pricing mechanism could act as a de facto carbon tax, potentially raising shipping costs by over 10%.
Despite the setback, the IMO confirmed that a working group will meet next week to continue developing technical guidelines for the framework’s implementation.
If adopted, the Net-Zero Framework would become the first legally binding global system to curb emissions from international shipping.
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