The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has voted to adjourn discussions on the Net-Zero Framework for one year. At this point, it seems the United States’ opposition to the Framework has taken root, much to the disappointment of several industry organisations.
In the interim, member states will continue to work towards consensus on the IMO Net Zero Framework. The IMO has agreed to adjourn the extraordinary session of the MEPC, which was convened last week (14 to 17 October 2025) to consider the adoption of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, including the IMO Net-Zero Framework.
The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships, scheduled to meet 20 to 24 October 2025, will go ahead to continue work on the guidelines for implementing the Net-Zero Framework.
Net-Zero Framework
The IMO Net-Zero Framework was approved at the MEPC 83 session in April 2025, as a new Chapter 5 of the Draft Revised Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The IMO has set a target for shipping to achieve net-zero shipping by or around 2050. The Net-Zero Framework can be seen as a roadmap to reach this target.
It comprises a set of international regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, in line with IMO’s 2023 Strategy for Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. It includes two key elements: a global fuel standard and a global GHG emissions pricing mechanism.
Also read: Calls to add wind to IMO Net-Zero Framework
US put pressure on vote
Leading up to the MEPC, the US’ Trump administration made no secret of their displeasure with the Net-Zero Framework, calling it ‘a global carbon tax on Americans, imposed by an irresponsible UN organisation’. US government officials argue that the proposed fuel and emission standards would disproportionately harm the US by mandating the use of expensive alternative fuels that are not yet widely available.
This eventually led to the Americans putting pressure on IMO member states. In August, countries were told that they had to reject the IMO deal, otherwise they would face retaliatory measures in the form of extra high import tariffs, visa restrictions and additional port charges.
On Truth Social, President Trump stated on Thursday, 16 October:
To adopt the Net-Zero Framework, a two-thirds majority would have to vote in favour. During last week it became ever more uncertain whether this could be achieved. Sources told Splash247 for example that the European Union would not be voting as a united block with Greece, Cyprus and Malta possibly abstaining.
Also read: Trump threatens to sabotage clean shipping
Disappointment from industry
In the meantime, industry associations have expressed disappointment at the MEPC outcome and the resulting delay. Adoption of the framework can now only happen in late 2026 at the earliest. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), for example, comments that the framework would have created the first global carbon pricing mechanism for any industrial sector with the aim of delivering a clear path for shipping’s transition to net zero.
Thomas A. Kazakos, ICS Secretary General: ‘We are disappointed that member states have not been able to agree a way forward at this meeting. Industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments needed to decarbonise the maritime sector, in line with the goals set out in the IMO GHG strategy. As an industry we will continue to work with the IMO, which is the best organisation to deliver the global regulations needed for a global industry.’
Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Shipowners | ECSA also regrets the postponement, saying ‘the IMO Net-Zero Framework is essential to give the industry the certainty it needs and to send a strong signal to the market to produce the clean fuels necessary to get to net zero. Global regulation is essential to ensure a level playing field at international level and to deliver the energy transition of international shipping. We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure an agreement on the IMO NZF can be reached.’
‘This was supposed to be the final step in a years-long process to accelerate the sector’s sustainability transition while ensuring a level playing field worldwide. This delay is therefore very disappointing,’ states Annet Koster, Managing Director of the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR), in response to the outcome.
Director of Decarbonisation Jesse Fahnestock at the Global Maritime Forum calls the delay ‘a disappointing setback for shipping, but not the end of this journey. The adjournment for a full year creates serious challenges for meeting the timelines in the Net-Zero Framework agreed in April and will make delivery of the sector’s decarbonisation targets even more challenging. We encourage member states that agreed on the framework in April to re-confirm their commitment to multilateralism.’
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has underlined the importance of using the year ahead to clarify and develop the IMO Net-Zero Framework. ‘A globally agreed framework is needed to provide a level playing field to get there. The liner industry is committed to the goal of net-zero by 2050 and has invested USD 150 billion in ships designed to run on green fuels. The IMO remains the right place to deliver a global solution. We are committed to continuing work with governments to deliver the necessary regulatory consistency, support renewable fuel production and infrastructure, and keep shipping’s energy transition on track.’
Picture: The IMO MEPC took place 14-17 October (photo by IMO/Flickr).
