IMO: net-zero framework adoption postponed

GHG reduction goals remain in place for international shipping, but pathway to achieve them remains uncertain

IMO member states have voted to adjourn discussions on adoption of the Net-Zero Framework for one year, delaying regulatory certainty for the industry.

Following a contentious, highly-politicized emergency session of the IMO’s Maritime Environmental Protection Committee, member states have voted to adjourn discussions on adoption of the Net-Zero Framework for twelve months. Widely expected to pass, it became apparent over the course of the session that neither a winning majority for or against adoption would materialize. There was also a push to – in the event of a supportive vote – switch the mechanism for adoption of the framework from “tacit acceptance” to “explicit acceptance” on a state-by-state basis. A convention which, by the IMO’s own indication, rarely results in successful adoption. The outcome leaves the global shipping industry with a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 with several interim milestones, but – for now – no detailed pathway to reach those targets.

Action left to first-movers, organisations, and individual jurisdictions

The result leaves a certainty gap, delaying critical investment in zero or near-zero (ZNZ) fuels and propulsion technologies. This is significant, as entry into force for the framework was due for 2027, with GHG reporting mandatory from 2028, and reward payments for compliant vessels beginning in 2029. This already-tight timeline now has to reconcile with a twelve-month delay in adoption discussions, and will inevitably be pushed back. The IMO’s decarbonization goals for 2030 – at least 20% lower GHG emissions than the 2008 baseline level and 5 – 10% uptake of near or zero-carbon alternative technologies & fuels – will be that much harder to achieve with this delay.

Stakeholders along the marine ammonia fuel value chain now look to jurisdictional-, coalition- and individual organization-based decarbonization initiatives to create demand certainty over the next year. While this approach has certainly yielded a lot of progress to date, all agree that a harmonized, multilateral approach is still required to accelerate decarbonization in shipping (similar to that which is now bearing fruit for ammonia certification).

In the wake of the result, first-movers in marine ammonia fuel affirmed their commitment to keep working for progress, emphasizing that collaboration and persistence will be key:

Regrettably, the adoption of the Net-Zero Framework has been postponed. Even as discussions continue, the direction is clear. The world needs a credible, predictable framework for zero-emission shipping. Yara Clean Ammonia will keep working with partners to make that a reality.

Hans-Olav Raen, CEO Yara Clean Ammonia, 18 Oct 2025 via Yara Clean Ammonia’s LinkedIn

For now, the industry will not have the clarity it needs on a global set of rules and incentives to drive investment. But the case for a single global framework is stronger than ever. We call upon the IMO Member States to use this year to achieve a global framework that can deliver: Certainty for long-term planning and investment, Incentives to accelerate innovation and deployment of sustainable solutions, [and] Fairness through a just and equitable transition for developing states…While the decision is postponed, the urgency remains. We will use this time to collaborate on a framework that keeps shipping on course for net zero.

18 Oct 2025, Via the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping’s LinkedIn

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 decarbonisation 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.⁣

⁣18 Oct 2025, Via the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation’s LinkedIn

The MEPC Special Session this week demonstrated that the issue of reducing GHG emissions from ships, and in particular, the pricing of emissions, is politically contentious for many countries to the point that achieving a consensus at this stage is not possible and means the draft amendments for consideration will now have to be revised before being tabled again and pausing it for one year…IBIA will continue to support IMO and its work, and in doing so, representing the views of the whole of the marine energy supply chain.

18 Oct 2025, Via the International Bunker Industry Association’s LinkedIn

While some countries chose to defer progress, the direction of travel for shipping is already clear. The transition to zero-emission fuels is inevitable — and the technologies to enable it already exist. Fortescue remains firmly committed to demonstrating what is possible through our own green shipping program. We’ll continue to work with governments, industry partners and international institutions to help accelerate the shift to Real Zero.

18 Oct 2025, Via Fortescue’s LinkedIn

We will now have to double-down on other means to drive shipping GHG reduction and energy transition. Climate science tells us that the challenge of decarbonisation does not go away, it gets harder. This delay therefore means those with the means must step up and lead more than ever, until this multilateral process can regain its composure.

Tristan Smith, Professor of Energy and Transport at UCL Energy Institute Shipping & Oceans Research Group, in his organisation’s official press release, 17 Oct 2025

What next? Work continues – from today

The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships met this week in London, continuing work on the guidelines and policy mechanisms for implementing the Net Zero Framework, including lifecycle analysis guidelines for new fuels and the organizational and operational aspects of the proposed “IMO Net-Zero Fund”. In the AEA’s call-to-action earlier this June, we highlighted the significant work immediately ahead (whether the framework was adopted last week or not). During the now-twelve month delay, there are a large number of elements and finer regulatory details in the framework that still need to be defined, finalized and agreed to.