Decision on shipping’s Net-Zero Framework delayed

October 22, 2025

Last week’s discussions at the International Maritime Organization adjourned after failing to come to a consensus or call a vote on the Net-Zero Framework agreed in April.

This will extend the uncertainty over how shipping’s transition to zero emissions will be regulated.

“The adjournment for a full year creates serious challenges for meeting the timelines in the Net-Zero Framework agreed in April and will make delivery of the sector’s decarbonisation targets even more challenging,” said Global Maritime Forum director of decarbonisation Jesse Fahnestock.

“We encourage Member States that agreed on the framework in April to re-confirm their commitment to multilateralism and continue the urgent work of developing guidelines and adopting a regulatory framework that can deliver on the IMO’s unanimously agreed greenhouse gas strategy.”

Negotiations at International Maritime Organization adjourn without a decision on shipping’s Net-Zero Framework

The Marine Environment Protection Committee’s extraordinary session (MEPC/ES.2, 14–17 October 2025) adjourned after failing to come to a consensus or call a vote on the Net-Zero Framework agreed in April
The extraordinary session will adjourn for one year, extending the uncertainty over how shipping’s transition to zero emissions will be regulated
Work on the guidelines for implementing the framework will continue and can pave the way for adoption next year
National, regional, and industry actors must intensify their work to accelerate progress, while the international community must sustain its commitment to multilateralism and continue work on a global regulatory framework

At this week’s negotiations at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MEPC 2^nd Extraordinary Meeting, Member States that agreed decisively on the framework in April were confronted by extraordinary political challenges to its adoption.

“Today’s adjournment is a disappointing setback for shipping, but not the end of this journey. The adjournment for a full year creates serious challenges for meeting the timelines in the Net-Zero Framework agreed in April and will make delivery of the sector’s decarbonisation targets even more challenging,” says Global Maritime Forum director of decarbonisation Jesse Fahnestock.

The MEPC will continue to work on guidelines for implementation of the Net-Zero Framework, and it is essential to complete the design of rewards for Zero and Near-Zero Fuels, define use of funds for a just and equitable transition, and provide clarity on emissions accounting as soon as possible. Clear and robust guidelines can help pave the way for adoption next year.

In the meantime, the actions of industry, nations and regions will play a crucial role in sustaining progress towards that goal. We call on industry to keep exploring innovative decarbonisation solutions, and forward-looking states to champion ambitious policies that can drive progress in shipping’s transition to net zero.