IMO Opens Global Talks to Secure Net-Zero Deal for Shipping

April 10, 2025

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(International Maritime Organization) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) opened a critical round of negotiations aimed at finalizing new binding regulations to steer international shipping towards net-zero emissions over the next 25 years.

Speaking at the opening of the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) on Monday, 7 April, in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the progress made towards agreement on the draft IMO Net-Zero Framework, which will bolster maritime action on climate change.

This includes proposed regulations for mandatory reductions in ships’ greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel intensity, a global emissions pricing mechanism, and the establishment of an IMO Net-Zero Fund. The fund would incentivize the use of zero and near-zero emission fuels and technologies, while also supporting developing countries through promoting a just and equitable transition.

These measures will be included in Annex VI (Prevention of air pollution from ships) of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which covers 97% of the world’s merchant shipping fleet by tonnage.

“I have no doubt you will achieve the necessary compromise so that, by the end of the week, we can take another significant step forward in delivering the goals of the IMO GHG Strategy,” Secretary-General Dominguez told more than 1200 international delegates. He praised Member States for their efforts to find common ground, while noting that key issues remain under negotiation.

“The work is not yet done. But we are nearly there - and I am sure in the coming days we will reach that point. What we do here will have a global impact on an industry that continues to demonstrate its essential role in the world,” he added.

Talks continue through Friday 11 April, with a draft legal text expected to be approved by the end of the session. Following the legal processes for amending the MARPOL treaty, the draft amendments would then be circulated to Parties to MARPOL Annex VI and all IMO members, for adoption in October 2025 at an extraordinary session of the Committee.

Plastic litter and key environmental issues

On Monday, MEPC 83 took the following decisions:

adopted a new 2025 Action Plan to combat marine plastic litter from ships
approved Interim guidance on the carriage of blends of biofuels and MARPOL Annex I cargoes by conventional bunker ships
approved Guidance on in-water cleaning of ships' biofouling
adopted Amendments to the 2023 Guidelines for the development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials

Throughout the week, the Committee will consider other key environmental issues, including the establishment of new Emissions Control Areas and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas for marine protection, and the continuation of the review of the Ballast Water Management Convention.

See full MEPC 83 meeting preview
Read IMO Secretary-General's opening remarks
View photo gallery and b-roll
Read more about IMO’s work to reduce emissions from ships READ MORE

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Excerpt from gCaptain: In a dramatic development at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting in London, the Trump administration has announced the United States’ withdrawal from crucial maritime decarbonization negotiations taking place this week.

The US government delivered a strongly worded message to IMO delegations, explicitly rejecting any measures that would impose fees on U.S. vessels based on greenhouse gas emissions or fuel choice.

The administration further warned it would consider implementing reciprocal measures to offset any charges imposed on American ships.

“The U.S. will not be engaging in negotiations at the IMO’s 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee,” a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed to gCaptain. “Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Orders on International Environmental Agreements and on Energy Dominance, it is the Administration’s policy to put the interests of the United States and the American people first in the development and negotiation of any international agreements.”

The IMO’s Net-Zero Framework plans to modify MARPOL Annex VI by implementing both a marine fuel standard and emissions pricing system. Delegates at this week’s MEPC meeting are expected to finalize draft legal text for the measures.

The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy aims to achieve net-zero emissions from international shipping by 2050, with emissions peaking as soon as possible, while considering national circumstances and aligning with Paris Agreement temperature goals.

In its message, the Trump administration characterized the IMO’s efforts as “an attempt to redistribute wealth under the guise of environmental protection.” The US particularly objected to the IMO’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, arguing it would “unwisely promote the use of hypothetical expensive and unproven fuels.”

The IMO’s current strategy further aims for a 40% reduction in shipping’s carbon intensity by 2030 compared to 2008 levels, with 5-10% of shipping’s energy coming from zero or near-zero GHG emission sources by 2030.

If approved, these measures could become effective in 2027 following final adoption at an extraordinary MEPC session in October 2025. READ MORE

Excerpt from World Shipping Council: World Shipping Council President & CEO Joe Kramek welcomes the U.S. administration's plan to rebuild American shipbuilding through strategic public-private investment, workforce development, and targeted incentives to rebuild shipbuilding capacity.

“We want to work constructively with the administration on its efforts to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry,” Joe Kramek said.

“As we’ve said previously, revitalizing the U.S. maritime industry will require a comprehensive, realistic, and sustained strategy developed by the Administration and Congress and enacted through legislation.”

“The Executive Order outlines several encouraging elements that reflect a serious focus on rebuilding the American maritime industry,” Joe Kramek said.

“Given the direction of this Executive Order and the comments made by the U.S. Trade Representative earlier this week, the World Shipping Council is hopeful the USTR recognizes that alternative measures to impose retroactive port fees would disadvantage all aspects of the supply chain - from consumers to farmers, from energy producers to manufacturers,” Joe Kramek said.

WSC member lines, who are container and vehicle carriers, are significant participants in the U.S. maritime industry. WSC member lines contribute 75 percent of the vessels enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program, carry 65 percent of seaborne U.S. trade, and have significant shipbuilding experience.

WSC members are integral to the U.S. economy and the U.S. maritime sector. Liner shipping contributes $2 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports 6.4 million U.S. jobs paying more than $420 billion in annual wages.

“The World Shipping Council stands ready to support the Administration with constructive proposals to help revitalize the U.S. maritime industry,” Joe Kramek concluded.

For more information on the seperate USTR proposals, and WSC's position, please visit our dedicated webpage: https://www.worldshipping.org/ustr-proposals READ MORE