The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Extraordinary Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), held from 14 to 17 October 2025 in London, concluded without agreement on the proposed Net-Zero Framework for the shipping industry. The framework was designed to establish the world’s first global carbon pricing mechanism for shipping, providing a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the sector.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) expressed disappointment at the outcome. Thomas A. Kazakos, ICS Secretary General, said the failure to reach consensus leaves the industry uncertain about how to plan investments in low- and zero-emission technologies. “We are disappointed that member states have not been able to agree a way forward at this meeting,” he said. “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 GHG strategy. As an industry we will continue to work with the IMO, which is the best organisation to deliver the global regulations needed for a global industry.”
Opening the session, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez acknowledged the challenges of balancing climate ambition with economic feasibility. He noted that some member states favored steeper emissions reductions, while others warned that stringent targets could overburden developing countries or increase operational costs. Dominguez described the Net-Zero Framework as a “balanced basis” for future work prior to its planned entry into force in 2027, emphasizing that prolonged indecision could prompt a patchwork of regional and national climate measures, increasing costs and inefficiency for the global shipping industry.
Dominguez also stressed the importance of diplomacy and consensus in IMO’s decision-making process. “Here, we are diplomatic and respectful to one another, we listen to everyone’s opinion, we take steps forward, and we are always looking to improve,” he said, urging member states to continue negotiations and provide clarity for the maritime sector.
The session ended without a final resolution, leaving the future of the Net-Zero Framework uncertain. Industry leaders warn that the lack of a global agreement could delay investments in low-emission fuels and technologies, complicating international shipping’s path to net-zero emissions by mid-century.
