Topic summary
IMO Net-Zero Framework
The IMO Net-Zero Framework (NZF) is a proposed United Nations system to price maritime shipping emissions. It was set to apply from 2028 to shipping in IMO member countries, applying a carbon price of 100 USD per tonne of CO2 equivalent. If implemented, it would have imposed a fee on vessels that pollute above a certain threshold, thus incentivizing the shipping industry, known for its extensive pollution, to become less polluting. Prior to the scuttling of the agreement by the second Donald Trump administration, the agreement was supported by the leading shipping industry lobby, most states, including the European Union, Japan, China, Britain and the United States.
The NZF would be the first global pricing mechanism for emissions, to be administered by the United Nations's International Maritime Organization. It was drafted by Marine Environment Protection Committee Meeting 83 (MEPC83) and was initially scheduled for adoption by the IMO at an extraordinary meeting in October 2025. It was delayed until October 2026, amid the second Donald Trump administration's threats of sanctions against diplomats and tariffs against countries that supported the agreement. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, personally called officials in different countries to threaten financial penalties and other penalties. The U.S. worked with Saudi Arabia to scuttle the agreement.
Maritime shipping represents 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Framework would apply to ships above 5,000 gross tonnage, which account for 85% of those emissions.