IMO Net Zero Framework vote postponed for a year

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The agreement, which calls for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, was opposed by the US, while Greece, like Cyprus, had previously expressed serious reservations.

The vote by members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the proposed new net zero carbon emissions framework (IMO Net Zero Framework – NZF), supported by the European Union, China and other states, has been postponed for a year . The decision came out, during the International Maritime Organization (IMO) met, held in October 2025 (14-17 October) about the adoption of the Net Zero Emissions (NZF) Framework. The new regulations were approved at MEPC 83 in April 2025, and were expected to be adopted in October 2025, with entry into force in 2028 according to DNV .

The US strongly opposed the agreement, while Greece, whose influence in global shipping is significant due to the displacement of the Greek-owned ocean-going vessel, as well as Cyprus, had earlier expressed serious reservations.

The Greek delegation, according to information, had received instructions to abstain in the event that the vote was ultimately held, in a decision that is also interpreted as maintaining equal distances between the EU and the US. 

Four-day negotiation thriller

It followed a four-day thriller of political backlash, public warnings and behind-the-scenes negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting in London to approve or reject a new net zero carbon emissions framework (IMO Net Zero Framework – NZF).

The vote was initially postponed from day to day and then, on Friday, the last day of the session, from hour to hour. Finally, it was decided to postpone the vote for a year. 

A day earlier, on Thursday, the US president declared on social media that he was “outraged” by the initiative and would not support the “global green new shipping fraud tax… in any way.” “Stand with the United States and vote NO in London,” he wrote on his Truth Social

network. 

What is Net Zero Framework?

The NZF is a new regulatory system proposed for global shipping to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It establishes a legally binding global framework that uses a mandatory greenhouse gas fuel intensity standard and a pricing mechanism: Ships that exceed certain emission limits would have to pay a fine, while those with the best performance would earn credits to trade. However, it remains unclear how exactly these funds would be managed. 

The US government had already warned countries supporting the NZF before Friday of visa restrictions for crews, additional port fees and sanctions against officials. Some states had backed down and would follow the US line, while others would not, observers said. Reactions were also evident on the united European front, with Greece and Cyprus openly expressing reservations about the package.

Singapore on Friday led calls to postpone the talks until next year to secure a broader consensus. It was supported by Liberia , one of the world’s largest flag states, the sources said. Several other countries such as Saudi Arabia have also expressed opposition, while shipowners’ associations have expressed concern about the pace of change and called for a postponement. Supporters of the plan argued that a “no” or late vote would be a huge missed opportunity on the path to zero net fuel. The goals are already extremely difficult due to the lack of immediate, obvious alternatives to traditional marine fuels and the limited time to develop them.

source: kathimerini.gr