Last week, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) voted to postpone the adoption of its Net-Zero framework until 2026. The framework was expected to introduce a carbon pricing system rewarding cleaner ships while penalising higher emitters. However, opposition from several member states, including large fossil fuel producers, the Greek Union of Shipowners, and the United States under President Donald Trump, led to the delay.

Critics have also argued that the framework’s emission reduction targets cuts of at least 20% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 compared to 2008 levels may not be sufficient to meet the IMO’s long-term climate ambitions. Despite the postponement, the IMO is still expected to adopt the framework in 2027, pending further negotiations in 2026.