The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is seeking an agreement on a carbon neutrality framework (NZF) that addresses the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. This issue was raised on October 13, 2026, by a senior official of the organization.
Delay in Approving the Framework
In October 2025, IMO member countries delayed the approval of this framework for a year due to strong objections from the United States and Middle Eastern oil producers. These opposing countries argued that the approval of this framework could lead to increased costs and inflation in maritime operations.
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Position of Oil-Producing Countries
Dorota Last-Siminska, Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations at IMO, noted that the United States and major oil-producing countries, including those in the Middle East, have called for a delay in approving the framework, but emphasized that this opposition does not mean a rejection of the IMO process. She added, "They have not said they do not want to negotiate, but they have said they will negotiate in the future."
The United States, viewing the carbon neutrality framework as a form of carbon tax, has participated in recent IMO negotiations and expressed its support for reforms that eliminate mandatory financial aspects.
Emphasis on Innovative Technologies
At another event on October 23, Saudi Arabia's state shipping company, Bahri, emphasized the need for carbon reduction through innovative technologies. Ahmed Ali Alsubaie, CEO of Bahri, stated, "We have lived with the term carbon reduction for some time, and it has become part of our meetings and planning. But can we do this without disrupting global trade? That is the key question."
The current framework includes technical and economic measures aimed at regulating greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years and financial costs for emissions exceeding specified thresholds. Last-Siminska emphasized that member countries clearly understand the need for technical measures, but there are still ambiguities regarding economic measures.
Analysts and environmental activists believe that a strong carbon pricing mechanism is essential to encourage the shift to low-carbon marine fuels, as the costs of sustainable fuels are significantly higher than traditional oil fuels. For example, the cost of delivering very low-sulfur fuel in Singapore reached $20.15 per gigajoule in August, while the cost of 100% sustainable methanol was $48.54 per gigajoule.
Last-Siminska noted that member countries are still negotiating and hope to find a solution to this issue. She added, "We want to avoid regional solutions and fragmentation and need a global solution."
At the CSN conference, Chris Trott, Chairman of the British Shipbuilders Association, emphasized that shipowners prefer to reach a global agreement rather than fragmented regional frameworks.
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