Experts highlight major political challenges delaying the IMO's net-zero emissions framework, potentially pushing adoption to 2029 or later.
Industry experts say the International Maritime Organisation's delayed net-zero emissions framework faces major political hurdles and may not be adopted until 2029 or later, reported London's S&P Global.
The framework was postponed for a year at a tense Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting in London last October. Despite earlier 80 percent support, 34 countries switched positions under US pressure, resulting in a vote to delay.
A Global Maritime Forum report outlined three possible scenarios: adopting the framework unchanged, introducing a single-tier fuel standard with lower compliance costs, or removing economic measures entirely. Each option would have different impacts on enforcement, investment, and timelines.
The US opposes carbon taxes, arguing it would raise consumer costs by 10 percent. President Donald Trump denounced the measure as a 'global green new scam tax on shipping' and threatened sanctions and port fees against countries supporting it.
Oslo-based classification society DNV's environment director Eirik Nyhus said unchanged adoption was unlikely given geopolitical opposition. He suggested that only a purely technical regulation, such as fuel intensity standards, might gain consensus, though even that would be difficult.
Experts warned that removing economic elements would undermine enforcement and weaken incentives for green technologies. Flag states representing most of the global tonnage could also block adoption if they object during the process.
Mr. Nyhus said entering into force in 2029 was optimistic, with 2030 more likely. He cautioned that further delays were possible given the scale of political and technical challenges.
