International Maritime Organization delays adoption of net-zero framework, talks to resume in 2026

Photo: International Maritime Organization

The International Maritime Organization announced Oct. 17 that its Marine Environment Protection Committee has adjourned discussions on the adoption of the net-zero framework for one year.

The IMO has agreed to adjourn the extraordinary session of the MEPC, which was convened Oct. 14-17, to consider the adoption of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, including the IMO net-zero framework.  

The extraordinary session will be reconvened in 12 months.

In the interim, member states will continue to work towards consensus on the IMO framework.   

The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships, scheduled to meet Oct. 20-24, will continue work on the guidelines for implementing the net-zero framework, IMO stated.

The net-zero framework was approved at the MEPC 83 session in April, as a new Chapter 5 of the Draft Revised Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

It comprises a set of international regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from ships, in line with IMO’s 2023 strategy for the reduction of GHG emissions from ships.

It includes two key elements: a global fuel standard and global GHG-emissions pricing mechanism.  

Various organizations responded to the IMO’s decision to delay the adoption of the framework.

The Singapore-based Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization said on Oct. 17, “The team at GCMD, while disappointed by the outcome at MEPC last night, woke up with renewed resolve this morning. The industry faces a complex journey—one that requires us to be pragmatic yet forward-looking. GCMD’s approach will continue to reflect the reality of a heterogeneous sector: running alongside frontrunners who push technological boundaries, supporting followers who seek commercial certainty, and enabling conservatives who are ready to embark on their decarbonization strategy. Fundamentally, GCMD believes nothing has changed in the industry’s ultimate destination: net-zero emissions. Regional efforts, such as EU regulations, remain in force and are expanding, and other regions will likely also step up to take leadership in light of what happened last night. While a global framework would have provided uniform clarity sooner, the direction of travel is clear and should drive action—the work does not stop simply because the vote is postponed.”

Lloyd’s Register said the IMO’s adoption of the framework “would have provided a global regulatory framework for the reduction of GHG energy intensity of international shipping.”

Lloyd’s Register further added that it believes “the least disruptive and most equitable route for the maritime industry’s energy transition is through a global, multilateral, transparent policy with the IMO. This will provide the framework for how the industry should decarbonize, creating the consistency, confidence and collaboration needed to drive investment and accelerate progress. It will be seen in the coming weeks what actions the IMO member states will take in this matter.”