US Intimidation Leaves Future of Shipping Uncertain But Appetite for Green Future Remains – CleanTechnica

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Vote to adopt the Net-Zero Framework postponed for one year.

Negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have ended in the postponement of the vote to adopt the landmark Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for a year. This comes after a week of pressure and delay tactics from the United States, Saudi Arabia and a number of other countries. The delay undermines years of work on the IMO’s plan to cut shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions, says T&E.

Dr. Alison Shaw, IMO Manager at T&E, said: “The delay leaves the shipping sector drifting in uncertainty. But this week has also shown that there is a clear desire to clean up the shipping industry, even in the face of US bullying. The world cannot let intimidation and vested interests dictate the pace of climate action. Climate-ambitious countries must use this moment to build a strong majority in support of meaningful decarbonisation. They will be the ones that benefit from the economy of tomorrow, not the geopolitical power games of the past.”

This pause will push the adoption vote to the next session in October 2026, and it could risk the deal not coming into force until 2030, even if adopted in a year’s time.

Yet even with this delay, the member states should not abandon their ambitions for the NZF. This additional time is a chance to strategically strengthen the framework and ensure it delivers tangible emission reductions. Crucial elements, such as clear incentives for scalable green e-fuels and safeguards to prevent first-generation biofuels from driving deforestation, must be developed.

Crucially, the EU must continue to strengthen its own green shipping ambitions and retain its own maritime policies which now stand as the only substantive regulations to tackle shipping emissions in the void left by the IMO NZF. Bold regional action is still possible with or without the US, says T&E.

News release from T&E.