Net zero shipping deal tanks following Trump attacks

A LANDMARK plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in global shipping has been delayed by a year after several major countries, led by the US, withdrew from the agreement.

More than 100 member states of the Marine Environment Protection Committee gathered in London to ratify the Net Zero Framework (NZF), developed by the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and finalised in April after a decade of talks.

The framework incentivises ships – regardless of their flag – to adopt cleaner technologies and fuels, while those using high-intensity fuels would face charges based on the greenhouse gases they emit.

Opposing countries – including Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and the US – argue the plan would raise costs for consumers, energy providers and ship operators. The US has gone further, accusing it of imposing “a carbon tax on the world”, a claim the IMO firmly denies.

Thomas A Kazakos, the secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), said: “We are disappointed that member states have not been able to agree a way forward at this meeting.

“Industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments needed to decarbonise the maritime sector, in line with the goals set out in the IMO greenhouse gas strategy.”

Trump offensive

The US has pushed back against the NZF since April, with President Trump calling the initiative a “green scam” on his Truth Social platform.

Before the meeting the US set out actions it would impose on countries in favour of the framework, including port fees and commercial penalties on ships.

A spokesperson from the US Department of State, said: “The United States will be moving to levy these remedies against nations that sponsor this European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations. We will fight hard to protect our economic interests by imposing costs on countries if they support the NZF.”

Year-long delay

The IMO have confirmed that talks on the NZF will reconvene in 12 months, with space for amendments.

Critics have railed against the adjournment, worrying that a year-long delay would make international net-zero targets unfeasible.

Alice Larkin, professor of climate science and energy policy at the University of Manchester, said: “With a global carbon budget associated with a 50:50 chance of avoiding 1.5C of warming set to be exhausted in less than three years, it is clear how significant and disastrous a one-year delay in any mitigation effort is for people and the planet.”