International Maritime Organization member states have moved forward with technical work on a global Net-Zero Framework for shipping, while remaining divided over proposed carbon-pricing and revenue measures.
The framework remained the basis for further negotiations following an intersessional working group on greenhouse gas emissions held in London from 1 to 4 September. Discussions covered measures to lower the carbon intensity of marine fuels, alignment with the IMO’s 2023 Revised Strategy and provisions expected to generate an estimated $10 billion to $15 billion annually.
Context: IMO & Regulation Intelligence File · IMO Net-Zero Framework explained · International Maritime Organization (IMO)
If adopted, the carbon-pricing mechanism would be the first global measure of its kind applied to an international industry. During the talks, 38 countries explicitly supported the framework’s pricing and revenue provisions. Seventeen countries, mainly oil-producing states, opposed the mechanism because of concerns about potential economic costs.
Related context: earlier IMO / Regulation coverage · earlier IMO / Regulation coverage · earlier IMO / Regulation coverage · earlier IMO / Regulation coverage
Operational context
Supporters maintain that pricing shipping emissions is needed to stimulate investment in cleaner fuels and technologies. They also argue that revenues could help protect developing economies from the economic effects of maritime decarbonisation.
The negotiations are taking place as shipping contends with disruption linked to geopolitical conflicts and climate-related droughts affecting major trade routes and waterways. Industry stakeholders have warned that failure to establish a global framework could encourage separate national and regional measures. Regulations are already emerging in the European Union, the United Kingdom and Africa, raising concerns that a fragmented approach could increase uncertainty, delay investment and add to compliance costs for companies operating across jurisdictions.
Opportunity Green Senior Director Em Fenton said the discussions showed continued solidarity behind a multilateral agreement and called on member states to maintain that approach when negotiations resume.
The Clean Shipping Coalition also welcomed the level of support for the framework but criticised alternative proposals advanced by a minority of states. Its president, Lukas Leppert, argued that the existing framework contains the essential elements needed for shipping’s decarbonisation and should be adopted without further delay.
What it means for maritime operators
Jamie Yates, climate and renewable energy manager at Pacific Environment, said the debate indicated a commitment among member states to reach agreement by the end of the year. Although differences remained over specific provisions, he said there had been no clear majority shift towards alternative proposals.
Global Maritime Forum Decarbonisation Director Jesse Fahnestock said countries had signalled a willingness to seek common ground while maintaining the integrity of the 2023 greenhouse gas strategy. Dr Dola Oluteye of the University College London Energy Institute and the Professional African Technical Network Advisory highlighted the importance of revenue provisions and proposals from African countries on managing and distributing a future fund.
Technical negotiations are scheduled to resume from 23 to 27 November. The framework will then go before MEPC 85 from 30 November to 3 December, followed by an expected extraordinary Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting on 4 December to consider formal adoption.
The framework was initially agreed in April 2025, but adoption was later postponed after 57 countries supported a delay and 49 opposed it. It is intended to provide the regulatory basis for meeting the IMO strategy’s objective of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050 while supporting a just and equitable transition.