The U.S. government said it is rejecting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) “Net-Zero Framework”, warning it would raise costs for American consumers, energy providers, and shipping companies.
Senior Whitehouse administration officials said the U.S. would take action against IMO member states backing the measure when it comes to a final vote in October. It remains unclear what specific actions will be taken.
The decision follows an April walkout by the U.S. delegation during a vote at an extraordinary meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC). Despite opposition from the U.S. and several abstentions, the proposals advanced to the next stage. The concern over potential U.S. action adds to expectations that October’s meeting will be contentious.
The IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, approved during MEPC 83 in April, would be the first global policy to combine mandatory emissions limits with greenhouse gas pricing across an entire sector. If adopted as planned, the rules would take effect in 2027 for ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage. It would apply to the vessels responsible for about 85% of international shipping’s CO2 emissions.
Supporters say the framework is a step toward decarbonizing shipping, though some argue it lacks sufficient incentives for switching to green fuels like ammonia or methanol. The U.S. opposes what it calls a “global carbon tax” claiming the framework would require the use of expensive fuels unavailable at global scale.
Source: SeaTrade Maritime
