ASIATODAY.ID, LONDON — Global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry have hit a major roadblock. Negotiations on the proposed Net Zero Shipping Framework at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ended without consensus, as member states voted to postpone a final decision for 12 months.
The extraordinary session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) concluded in London with delegates agreeing to resume talks next year, giving nations more time to narrow deep divisions over the proposed global framework.
Net Zero Shipping: An Ambitious Plan on Hold
The Net Zero Shipping Framework — first endorsed in principle last April — aims to align the global shipping sector with the 2050 net zero emissions goal. If adopted, it would amend the MARPOL convention to introduce a global fuel standard and a carbon pricing mechanism for ships, which account for nearly three percent of total global GHG emissions.
The framework would mark the first legally binding international system to limit emissions from the maritime industry — a historic milestone in global climate governance.
IMO Chief: “No Winners or Losers”
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called on delegates to maintain constructive dialogue and rebuild trust during the year-long pause.
“Even though you have differences of opinion, you all spoke in support of the work of this Organization,” Dominguez said quoted on Friday, October 24, 2025.
“There are no winners and losers in this session. Let us take this moment to learn from it and come back ready to negotiate and take the next steps needed to meet the goals you all agreed to in the 2023 GHG strategy.”
He urged countries to use the additional time to address key concerns and restore momentum toward maritime decarbonization.
UN: “A Missed Opportunity”
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York that Secretary-General António Guterres viewed the outcome as “a missed opportunity” for member states to place the global shipping industry on a credible path to net zero.
“Decarbonizing the maritime sector — which handles about 80 percent of global trade — is critical to meeting global climate targets,” Guterres emphasized.
Several major economies, including the United States, reportedly opposed the proposal, warning that the global carbon pricing mechanism could act as a de facto carbon tax and raise shipping costs by more than 10 percent.
Next Steps: Technical Guidelines in Progress
Despite the setback, the IMO confirmed that a working group on GHG emissions will convene next week to continue developing the technical guidelines for implementing the Net Zero Shipping Framework.
As the world watches, the coming year will test whether nations can bridge their differences and steer the global maritime industry toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. (UN News Network)
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