October 18, 2025 —The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has postponed a vote on the Net Zero Framework (NZF) for shipping emissions after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened sanctions against countries supporting the plan.

The vote delay sets back efforts to regulate shipping industry contributions to climate change by at least 12 months, despite prior approval of the framework by IMO members in April.

Trump criticized the plan as a “Global Green New Scam Tax on Shipping” and warned of sanctions, visa restrictions, and port levies for supporters. The threat prompted delegates in London to pass a resolution postponing the vote by 57 to 49.

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Global Reactions and Concerns

• UN Secretary-General’s office called the delay “a missed opportunity” to chart a path toward net zero emissions in shipping.
• The International Chamber of Shipping, representing 80% of the world’s fleet, expressed disappointment, emphasizing that industry needs regulatory clarity to invest in decarbonization.
• Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu criticized the postponement as “unacceptable” amid accelerating climate risks.

Countries reaffirming support for the framework included China, the EU, Brazil, and Britain, while Russia and Saudi Arabia opposed it. Argentina and Singapore, previously supportive, voted to delay.

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Net Zero Framework Overview

• Intended to cut net emissions from international shipping by 20% by 2030 and eliminate them by 2050.
• Would implement a carbon-pricing system: $380 per metric tonne of CO2-equivalent emitted, with rewards for cleaner operations.
• Proposed measures include switching to ammonia or methanol fuels and fitting cargo ships with special sails.

Climate change is already impacting shipping through changing ocean currents and more frequent severe storms, increasing risks to maritime safety.

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Key Takeaways:

• Trump’s intervention blocks the first global carbon-pricing scheme for shipping.
• IMO vote delayed by 12 months, creating uncertainty for decarbonization investments.
• Industry and climate advocates warn of lost momentum in addressing shipping emissions.