Huge Setback For Green Shipping As IMO Delays Net Zero Framework For A Year

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made an announcement stating the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has agreed to postpone draft amendments adoption discussions on MARPOL Annex VI, which includes the IMO Net-Zero Framework. This decision, made at the MEPC’s most recent session from 14 to 17 October 2025, was to reconvene in 12 months to continue discussions. This break, however, reflects the continuous work of the member states on the consensus on the framework to limit the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships.

At the same time, the IMO’s Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships will continue working on the Net-Zero Framework guidelines. This delay is, at most, a small step backward and directly identifies the problems with global strategy development, which attempts to harmonize destinations of the world, with the expected and acceptable operational norms of global shipping.

The Impact of the IMO Net-Zero Framework on Sustainable Shipping

The IMO Net-Zero Framework is the first-ever comprehensive Net-Zero regulatory international standards in the world. It is included in the IMO’s broader plan under the 2023 Strategy for the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. The Net-Zero Framework aligned GHG emission regulations for the shipping industry with the global climate goal and introduced the world’s first global Fuel standard, GHG Fuel pricing regulations.

The first iteration of the Net-Zero Framework was approved during MEPC 83 in April 2025 and was included in Chapter 5 of the Draft Revised Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The Annex is designed to help combat the Carbon footprint of the maritime sector and global climate change. The Framework is designed to reduce the environmental burden of the global shipping fleet and enhance the fleet’s overall carbon impact.

Even though current discussions have been adjourned, the IMO is still focused on implementing the Net-Zero Framework. Member states have been building consensus around the framework’s core elements, while some countries seek to include deeper measures and others call for balance to ensure the shipping industry is not unduly impacted.

The Role of the Intersessional Working Group

Though the MEPC session has been adjourned, the IMO is not entirely pausing its work. The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships is set to convene on October 20-24, 2025, to continue refining guidelines to implement the Net-Zero Framework. This group is laying the groundwork for the next discussions, focusing on practical approaches to the ship emission reduction challenges.

The working group’s efforts are vital in crafting the final guidelines, ensuring that the proposed regulations can actually be enforced within the global shipping sector. The participants in the working groups are likely to deal with the more tangible aspects of the proposed fuel standards, the enforceability of the global GHG emissions pricing, and what is needed to support shipping lines going green.

Global Emission Reduction Collaboration and Challenges

The IMO’s activities to operationalize the Net-Zero Framework speak to the need for international collaboration to deal with the shipping industry’s environmental challenges. As one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters globally, the shipping industry is pivotal to global climate change mitigation efforts. The cross-border nature of the industry, however, makes it difficult to agree on and implement effective global regulations.

Each nation has varying amounts of resources, technology, and emissions reduction goals. Offered rules may encourage some nations to pursue and invest in innovative clean technology; however, for smaller or developing countries, economically, it may be an uphill battle. These differences within and between nations, along with varying approaches to emissions, are the key reasons for delays in finalizing the ESG framework. The delays in the framework’s finalization will result in endless negotiations on the framework’s guidelines for achieving an equitable and effective global solution.

Continuing Implementation

For the coming 12 months, the IMO will be focused on industry stakeholder consultations, to allow the differing views to be acknowledged to agree on the ESG Net-Zero framework for the shipping sector. Under IMO’s guidance, the member states will be encouraged to advance the other framework components, so that the complete ESG framework will contain relevant and reasonable regulations for enforcement.

The fact that the IMO is going to revisit the framework shows that ongoing conversations and collaboration between global players are still highly significant. The world’s maritime industry is at a critical point as it attempts to integrate the responsibilities of environmental stewardship with the realities of a functioning, global shipping system. The Net-Zero Framework, when completed, will mark the first time the industry will be able to transition to more highly regarded standards of shipping sustainability.

Conclusion: A Critical Step Toward Sustainable Shipping

Although the Net-Zero Framework was tabled at the most recent meetings with the IMO, the ambition to finalize a holistic, low-emission, and sustainable shipping framework is still in progress. The next 12 months will be focused on the fine-tuning aspects of the framework, where the climate objectives relative to global trade will be the centerpiece.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues to develop a Net-Zero framework, considering the need for a green transition in all sectors of the economy. The ability of the shipping industry to reduce its GHG emissions will be fundamental to climate change mitigation. The upcoming year of negotiations will be critical in defining the perspectives of the entire maritime industry.

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