TLDR;
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) vote on a plan to make the shipping industry net-zero by 2050 has been postponed due to pressure from the United States and other member countries. A sub-committee had previously approved a framework for new fuel standards and a carbon emissions pricing mechanism, with a formal vote scheduled for October.
- The vote was meant to bring these measures into effect from 2027.
- In the earlier sub-committee vote, 63 countries voted in favor, while 16, including the United States, voted against.
IMO Vote on Net-Zero Shipping Plan Postponed
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) vote on a strategic plan to transition the shipping industry away from fossil fuels to achieve ‘net-zero’ emissions by 2050 has been delayed. This postponement occurred because the United States and several other member countries exerted pressure. Earlier, in April, an IMO sub-committee had given the nod to a framework that included new fuel standards for ships and a global pricing mechanism for carbon emissions. A formal vote by member countries was scheduled for a meeting in October to enforce these measures starting in 2027. During the sub-committee vote, 63 countries voted in favor, while 16 countries, including the United States, voted against the proposal.