The United Nations’ ambitious plan to cut global shipping emissions is facing collapse after the United States warned it would impose sanctions on countries backing the initiative.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is expected to formally adopt the Net Zero Framework (NZF) on Friday, requiring ships to begin reducing carbon emissions from 2028 and achieve full decarbonisation by 2050.
However, Washington has rejected the framework, with senior officials under President Donald Trump threatening punitive actions such as visa bans, trade restrictions, and barring ships from US ports.
The NZF would impose a levy on high-emission vessels, using the proceeds to reward cleaner ships and assist climate-vulnerable countries, but its adoption now hangs in the balance.