The administration of United States President Donald Trump has rejected the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) proposed “Net-Zero Framework,” describing it as a de facto global carbon tax imposed by an unelected UN body.
In a joint statement issued ahead of the IMO’s October 2025 meeting, US Secretaries of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Howard Lutnick, Energy Chris Wright, and Transportation Sean Duffy said the United States would not accept any international environmental agreement that they believe would place disproportionate costs on the country or its citizens.
The statement signals potential disruption to forthcoming global shipping regulations.
The IMO framework, approved at the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s 83rd session in April 2025, combines mandatory emissions limits with greenhouse gas pricing across the shipping sector. If adopted in October, the measures would apply from 2027 to ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnes, covering around 85% of global shipping CO₂ emissions.
The Trump administration argues the proposals would raise costs for American consumers and businesses, favour certain countries, and restrict the use of technologies such as liquefied natural gas and biofuels.
Under the framework, vessels would be required to meet a global fuel standard that progressively reduces greenhouse gas intensity and to purchase remedial units if emissions exceed set thresholds.
Supporters of the plan say it is intended to accelerate decarbonisation in the maritime industry. The IMO’s proposal includes a Net-Zero Fund, financed through emissions pricing, to reward low-emission vessels, support innovation and infrastructure in developing countries, and assist vulnerable states.
The International Chamber of Shipping, representing over 80% of the global merchant fleet, has endorsed the framework while calling for more precise incentives to encourage adoption of cleaner fuels.
The Trump administration’s opposition comes amid ongoing debate about its trade and tariff policies, which critics say are contributing to rising prices and supply chain pressures.
The IMO is scheduled to consider the framework for adoption at an extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee in October 2025, with detailed implementation guidelines expected in spring 2026 before the measures take effect in 2027.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.
