The Trump administration seeks to end the IMO's Net Zero Framework, citing lack of consensus and opposing global carbon tax initiatives.
The Trump administration is seeking to end the International Maritime Organisation's Net Zero Framework (NZF), reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
US and Saudi opposition stalled approval of Net Zero at last October's Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting. The US delegation is now pushing to cancel the follow-up session scheduled for November and reverse IMO climate gains.
The administration argues there is no consensus in the maritime sector and demands that regional schemes, such as the EU Emissions Trading System, be phased out. It rejects penalties for greenhouse gas emissions and opposes any global carbon tax.
Environmental groups say the Net Zero goal offers needed progress toward carbon pricing to support the energy transition in poorer nations.
Advisory opinions from international courts and international law back Net Zero goals.
Critics warn that abandoning Net Zero would raise shipping costs, fuel regulatory conflict, and undermine stability, leaving the industry without a framework for emissions reduction.
