The International Maritime Organization’s vote on its long-awaited Net-Zero Framework, originally expected by late 2025, has been pushed back to October 2026, extending a year of uncertainty for shipowners planning fuel and newbuild investments. The framework, approved in principle at MEPC 83 in April 2025, would introduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas fuel-intensity limits alongside a compliance credit system and a pricing mechanism run through an IMO Net-Zero Fund.
The delay follows opposition from the United States and Saudi Arabia to earlier drafts of the GHG intensity rules, and diplomatic activity is expected to intensify ahead of the next Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting. If eventually adopted, the framework would not enter into force until roughly 16 months later, leaving the compliance value of LNG, biofuels and emerging zero-carbon fuels unresolved in the meantime.
Source: Blank Rome LLP â https://www.blankrome.com/publications/imo-net-zero-shipping-framework-crossroads-global-shipping-regulations
Tags: IMO, Decarbonization, Environment & Fuel
