What's happened
On October 17, 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) postponed a vote to adopt the Net Zero Framework (NZF), a global carbon pricing system for shipping emissions. The delay followed intense pressure and threats of sanctions from the U.S. administration under President Trump, alongside opposition from Russia and Saudi Arabia. The vote was postponed by 12 months, stalling efforts to regulate shipping's 3% share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
What's behind the headline?
Political Pressure and Climate Policy Setback
The postponement of the IMO's Net Zero Framework vote reveals the significant geopolitical tensions underlying global climate governance. The U.S., under President Trump, has aggressively opposed the carbon pricing mechanism, framing it as a "scam" and threatening punitive measures against countries supporting it. This hardline stance has emboldened other fossil fuel-dependent nations like Russia and Saudi Arabia to resist the framework.
Implications for Global Shipping Emissions
Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure expected to grow with expanding trade. The NZF represents the first global attempt to price these emissions, potentially generating $11-13 billion annually to fund green shipping technologies and support vulnerable countries. The delay stalls this progress, prolonging reliance on heavy fuel oil and delaying investments in cleaner alternatives like green ammonia and methanol.
Industry and Environmental Stakeholders
The International Chamber of Shipping, representing over 80% of the global fleet, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for regulatory clarity to guide decarbonization investments. Environmental advocates warn the delay undermines urgent climate action, especially as climate change increasingly impacts maritime safety.
Forecast and Consequences
The 12-month delay provides opponents time to rally further resistance, risking the framework's eventual adoption. Even if approved next year, implementation will take years due to technical assessments. This impasse highlights the challenge of balancing economic interests with global climate commitments and underscores the influence of geopolitical power plays in international environmental policy.
Reader Impact
While the direct effect on individual readers may seem abstract, the delay in regulating shipping emissions contributes to continued global warming, affecting climate stability worldwide. The outcome influences the pace of decarbonization in a critical sector tied to global trade and environmental health.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the vote to formally approve the IMO's Net Zero Framework was delayed after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened sanctions against countries backing the plan, describing the proposed carbon tax as a "scam." The article highlights the division between oil-producing and non-oil-producing nations and quotes IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressing hope to avoid repeating the week's fractious discussions.
Al Jazeera emphasizes the 12-month setback caused by the U.S. opposition, noting Trump's social media campaign against the tax and the narrow vote of 57 to 49 to delay. It includes perspectives from climate ministers like Ralph Regenvanu of Vanuatu, who called the delay "unacceptable," and details the framework's mechanisms and goals.
The Guardian's Fiona Harvey provides a detailed account of the intense pressure and alleged "bullying" by the U.S. government, including threats of tariffs and visa restrictions. She notes the vote count and the frustration of small developing nations, quoting experts who warn that the delay makes decarbonizing shipping harder.
Politico succinctly summarizes the meeting's outcome, noting Saudi Arabia and Russia's role in pushing for the delay and the freezing of efforts to cut shipping emissions for a year.
The New York Times highlights the narrow vote and the coalition of countries supporting the framework, including China and the EU, against the U.S., Russia, and Saudi Arabia. It quotes Trump's outrage and the threats issued to dissuade support.
AP News and The Independent provide overlapping coverage, detailing Trump's social media opposition, the IMO's regulatory goals, and the potential impact of the framework. They explain the pricing system, penalties, and incentives for cleaner shipping fuels, and include statements from IMO officials and environmental advocates.
Together, these sources illustrate a story of geopolitical conflict impeding a landmark environmental regulation, with significant implications for global climate efforts
How we got here
The IMO, a UN body with 176 member states, agreed in April 2025 on the NZF to impose fees on ships exceeding emission thresholds, incentivizing cleaner fuels and technologies. The framework aims to reduce shipping emissions by 20% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The U.S., Russia, and Saudi Arabia oppose the plan, citing economic and security concerns, with the U.S. threatening sanctions against supporters.
Go deeper
- What is the Net Zero Framework for shipping emissions?
- Why is the U.S. opposing the global carbon tax on shipping?
- How will the delay affect global efforts to combat climate change?
Common question
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What is the new global shipping emissions deal?
International talks at the IMO are close to adopting a historic global deal to cut shipping greenhouse gases. This agreement aims to reduce emissions by 2050 through a system of fees and credits, encouraging greener fuels and technologies. But what exactly does this deal involve, and why is it so significant for the environment and global climate efforts? Below, we explore the key questions about this groundbreaking regulation.
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What Are the Key International News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest global headlines shaping our world today. From diplomatic shifts to social unrest, these stories highlight the most pressing issues and developments across countries. Curious about how nations are responding to recent crises or what themes are emerging worldwide? Read on for comprehensive insights into today's top international news.
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Why Did the IMO Delay the Shipping Emissions Deal?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently postponed a crucial vote on a global shipping carbon pricing plan. This delay has sparked questions about the reasons behind it, the objections from major nations, and what it means for global climate efforts. In this page, we explore why the IMO paused its plans, who is opposing them, and what the future holds for shipping pollution regulation.
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What Are the Implications of the IMO Delaying the Shipping Emissions Deal?
The International Maritime Organization's decision to postpone a global shipping emissions deal has significant implications for climate policy and international relations. This delay, driven by opposition from major nations like the US, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, raises questions about the future of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases from shipping. How will this impact climate goals? What are the next steps for international regulation? And how are key countries influencing the process? Below, we explore these critical questions and more.
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The International Maritime Organization until 1982, is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
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