The International Maritime Organization's proposed 'net-zero framework' for shipping, which was expected to be approved by countries towards the end of 2025, has survived a concerted effort by the US and other fossil-fuel producers to strip its carbon-pricing mechanism [1][2][3]. At the MEPC84 meeting in London last week, nations tried once again to reach an agreement on the framework [4].
The Framework and the Opposition
The net-zero framework aims to decarbonise global shipping, a sector responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Trump administration was accused of 'bully-boy' tactics as the US led a concerted effort to reject the framework, leading to its approval being delayed [2]. Since the delay, the US, other fossil-fuel producers and some industry groups have called for the framework to be stripped of its carbon-pricing mechanism, or abandoned entirely [3].
MEPC84 Negotiations
At the MEPC84 meeting, opponents said they were trying to seek consensus, but supporters, such as Brazil, the EU and Pacific islands, pointed out the framework was already a 'careful balance of interests' [5]. Liberia and Panama – 'flag states' for a third of the world’s commercial shipping – led a counter-proposal, alongside Argentina, which effectively cut carbon pricing from the framework [6]. The meeting ended with a reconfirmation that delegations are committed to rebuilding consensus on global shipping emissions [7].
What's Next
The framework survived the negotiations and the committee will now try to adopt it at its December 2026 meeting [8]. The outcome of that meeting will determine whether the shipping industry can meet its climate targets.