Stakeholders debate path forward for IMO Net-Zero Framework

DiBella emphasized that the United States strongly opposes the NZF in its current form, characterizing it as a measure that would significantly increase the cost of global shipping. She warned that the framework would function as a financial burden on U.S. carriers and operators in international waters, effectively operating as a global charge on maritime trade.

She further noted that the potential economic impact of the proposal could reach billions of dollars annually across the shipping industry. According to the U.S. delegation’s assessment, those costs would likely be passed through supply chains, ultimately affecting prices for U.S. consumers due to the country’s dependence on imported goods.

The FMC reiterated its mandate to monitor international shipping practices affecting U.S. commerce and to respond when foreign regulatory measures create unfavorable conditions for U.S. trade.

Under U.S. law, the Commission may take enforcement actions in response to discriminatory or anti-competitive shipping practices, including penalties or restrictions on foreign-flagged vessels calling at U.S. ports.

If unfavorable shipping conditions are found, the FMC can take remedial steps, including imposing fines and baring foreign flag vessels from calling at U.S. ports

… said FMC in a statement.

The U.S. position going into MEPC 84 highlights continued tension among IMO member states over how to balance maritime decarbonization goals with concerns about trade competitiveness, inflationary effects, and global economic impacts.

Danish Shipping calls for binding global pathway

Meanwhile, Danish Shipping is urging IMO member states to use MEPC 84 to establish a clear procedural roadmap toward ambitious, binding global climate regulation.

Danish Shipping argues that the Net-Zero Framework should serve as the starting point for continued negotiations rather than being delayed or diluted, warning that regulatory uncertainty is already affecting investment decisions across the sector.

“The Net Zero Framework should be the starting point for further discussions,” said Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping. “As a truly global industry, we need global rules that apply to everyone everywhere. We are open to constructive dialogue with all stakeholders on the way forward.”

Steffensen emphasized that failure to provide clarity on future regulation is creating significant uncertainty for shipowners, making it more difficult to commit to long-term investments in new vessels and alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-based technologies.

She also stressed the importance of implementing the IMO’s 2023 GHG strategy without further delay, warning that fragmented regional approaches could undermine both environmental progress and industry competitiveness.

Insecurity about the way forward is harmful for everyone and makes decisions about investments in new ships and the production of alternative fuels much more difficult. We need to come to an agreement about where we will go from here. We need to find a workable path forward that moves us towards the goal of climate neutral shipping

… Steffensen concluded.

To remind, previously, a joint statement issued on on 20 April on behalf of major shipping bodies including BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERCARGO, INTERFERRY, INTERTANKO and World Shipping Council (WSC), reaffirmed strong support for the International Maritime Organization as the principal global regulator of international shipping, emphasizing that maritime decarbonization is a multi-stakeholder process that requires coordinated action across the entire maritime ecosystem.

In addition, a broad maritime coalition representing open registries, classification societies, and shipowner associations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas has called on IMO member states to consider alternative approaches to the current Net-Zero Framework proposal.