IMO Net Zero Framework survives assault but adoption remains uncertain

The International Maritime Organization’s Net Zero Framework has emerged battered but intact from a pivotal week of negotiations in London, with a majority of member states reaffirming it as the basis for further work – reversing, by a similar margin, the vote that led to its adjournment last October.

MEPC 84, which concluded on May 1 after five days at IMO headquarters, saw nearly 100 delegations take the floor on the framework’s future. When the dust settled, 55 countries had spoken in support of the Net Zero Framework and its critical carbon pricing mechanism, while 51 favoured proposals to substantially reopen or weaken it – including removing the carbon price entirely. The committee agreed to convene two intersessional working group meetings, in September and November, ahead of MEPC85 at the end of November, with a resumed extraordinary session pencilled in for December 4.

Closing the meeting, IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez was measured but resolute. “We are back on track, but we have to rebuild trust. I encourage you to maintain this momentum through your intersessional work and to prepare submissions that can bring the membership together,” he said.

Analysis from the UCL Shipping and Oceans Research Group, which tracked the meeting closely, found that the pendulum had swung meaningfully back toward the framework. Five countries that had supported adjournment at last October’s extraordinary session flipped back to supporting the NZF, while 10 countries that had abstained or not taken a position now clearly supported it. Only two countries moved in the opposite direction.

Alternative proposals tabled by Japan and Argentina fared poorly. Japan’s proposal to strip out the carbon pricing element attracted support from just seven member states, while the Argentina-led proposal – which would remove both the carbon price and the fund – drew 24. Neither, individually or combined, could form a simple majority.

Professor Tristan Smith of UCL said the failure of NZF opponents to capitalise on the moment was significant. “For the opponents of meaningful and effective IMO GHG regulation, this was an opportunity for them to finish what they started at MEPC.ES2. Their failure to do so is critical for shipping and trade’s future success, as well as multilateralism’s future and for the chances of an equitable energy transition.”

Dr Pinar Langer, also of UCL, said the meeting had clarified the path forward. “MEPC84 suggests there is limited appetite for starting again or shifting to a much weaker alternative. The more credible path now appears to be targeted refinements to the agreed Net Zero Framework, while preserving the elements that make it meaningful and effective.”

Thomas Kazakos, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping, welcomed the tone of the week while acknowledging that significant hurdles remain. “The constructive dialogue that has taken place this week is hugely welcome, although it is clear that many Member States are still unable to adopt a global regulatory framework unless further adjustments are made,” he said, adding that ICS intends to contribute ideas ahead of September’s intersessional meeting on how to achieve the necessary broader support.

Beyond the NZF, the committee adopted a new Emissions Control Area for the Northeast Atlantic, introducing stricter limits on sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter across the exclusive economic zones of Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Ireland, the UK, France, Spain and Portugal. The ECA takes effect in 2028. The committee also adopted a resolution condemning attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and warning of the risk of large-scale marine pollution from missiles, drones, fires and explosions in the ecologically vulnerable Persian Gulf.

Other decisions included a new mandatory code for the transport of plastic pellets in freight containers, updated ballast water management guidelines, and agreement in principle to extend the underwater radiated noise experience-building phase by two years to 2028.

The framework’s survival drew relief, if not celebration, from environmental observers. “The NZF has survived, but survival is not a victory,” said Em Fenton of Opportunity Green, “and we cannot end up in a cycle of open-ended negotiations.”

Source: Splash 247

Sharing is caring!