The United Nations’ shipping agency is poised to adopt a plan to cut maritime emissions, but the United Nations’ shipping agency is under threat from the United States. The Net Zero Framework, which requires ships to reduce their carbon emissions starting in 2028 and achieve complete decarbonisation by 2050, was approved in April by a majority of members, including the European Union, Brazil, China, India, and Japan. The framework would require all ships to use a less carbon‑intensive fuel mix or face financial penalties, and it would charge a tax on emissions that exceed a set threshold. The revenue would create a fund to reward low‑emission vessels and support countries vulnerable to climate change.
The United States has threatened sanctions and other punitive actions against countries that support the framework, potentially delaying its adoption. After withdrawing from negotiations, the US remained silent until top diplomats and secretaries recently declared that the administration “unequivocally rejects” the plan. Washington warned of a range of retaliatory measures, including visa restrictions, blocking vessels from US ports, and imposing commercial penalties on nations that vote in favour.
The European Union and Britain have reaffirmed their support for the proposal, but US threats may sway other countries that are sensitive to American influence. The Philippines, which has the world’s largest contingent of maritime workers and backed the framework in April, could be particularly affected by visa restrictions. Caribbean islands that depend economically on US cruises could also face sanctions.
If adopted, the global emissions‑pricing system would be difficult to evade, even for the United States. International Maritime Organization conventions allow signatories to inspect foreign ships during stopovers and even detain non‑compliant vessels. The outcome of the vote on the Net Zero Framework is now uncertain, with consensus already ruled out. Adoption of the framework would represent a significant step toward reducing maritime emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
