U.S. Economic Pressure: A New Challenge for International Shipping
Climate negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) over the Net-Zero Framework have reached a serious deadlock—one that could significantly shape the future of international shipping and transportation. Economic pressure from the United States, including threats of punitive tariffs and port restrictions, has led to a shift in position by countries controlling more than half of the world’s maritime transport capacity.
According to reports from reputable maritime industry sources, these pressures have increased the likelihood of suspending the final vote on the Net-Zero Framework, placing all 176 IMO member states on the brink of a critical decision. This decision will determine the fate of the most important environmental agreement in the international transportation sector.
The Net-Zero Framework: A Threat or an Opportunity for Maritime Transport?
The Net-Zero Framework is the result of more than five years of intensive negotiations and aims to gradually reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry, reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The maritime sector produces approximately one billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, accounting for a significant share of global emissions.
The framework sets the following interim targets:
- A 20% reduction in emissions by 2030
- A 70% reduction in emissions by 2040
However, opposition from oil-producing countries, combined with increasing U.S. economic pressure, has disrupted the balance of negotiations and cast doubt on the implementation of this plan—directly affecting international shipping services and logistics costs.
A Divide in Europe: Concerns of Maritime Powers
Greece, Cyprus, and Malta—three major maritime nations in Europe—have announced their intention to vote against the official position of the European Union. Together, these countries control nearly 40% of Europe’s commercial fleet and are concerned about losing competitiveness if strict carbon pricing policies are implemented.
This unprecedented rift highlights the direct impact of climate-related decisions on global supply chains and the shipment of goods to ports around the world.
Suspension of Negotiations: A Likely IMO Scenario
The IMO Secretariat has proposed a “procedural suspension” as a temporary solution—allowing the postponement of the vote without setting a specific deadline. If the framework is fully rejected, it cannot be reintroduced for at least two years.
Even if approved, countries representing more than 50% of global tonnage could formally object and halt its implementation, raising serious concerns about policy stability in international shipping and transportation.
Postponement of the MEPC Meeting and the Future of Maritime Policy
The extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), originally scheduled for October 2025, has been postponed for one year and will resume in 2026. During this period, intersessional working groups will continue drafting implementation guidelines.
The Net-Zero Framework consists of two main pillars:
- The Global Marine Fuel Standard
- The Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Pricing Mechanism
Nevertheless, the practical enforcement of these policies depends on achieving political consensus at the international level.
Conclusion: Implications for Multimodal Transport and Global Trade
The current deadlock in IMO negotiations could have a direct impact on multimodal sea and land transport, logistics costs, and the process of shipping goods to ports worldwide. More than ever, the future of the maritime transport industry is tied to political and economic decision-making, with transparency in policymaking playing a crucial role in ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.