IMO delays vote on global shipping carbon tax by one year after tense talks in London on October 17.
The International Maritime Organization decided to postpone the adoption of the world’s first global carbon pricing system for shipping. The delay followed strong pressure from the United States and other oil-producing nations.
Delegates voted to adjourn the decision on the Net-Zero Framework until October 2026. The motion to delay came from Singapore and was supported by Saudi Arabia. In total, 57 countries backed the postponement, 49 opposed, and 21 abstained.
The framework aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in global shipping, which accounts for about 3% of total global CO₂ output. It would also establish a carbon pricing system expected to raise up to $15 billion a year starting in 2030.
The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Russia reportedly used procedural tactics to stall the process. Washington threatened tariffs and sanctions against developing countries that supported the measure.
The IMO will continue technical discussions on the Net-Zero Framework from October 20–24. The next adoption vote is now expected in October 2026. If passed then, the framework could take effect as late as 2030.
The delay casts uncertainty over the shipping industry’s path to net-zero emissions. Experts warn it could lead to a fragmented patchwork of national and regional carbon regulations, undermining global decarbonization efforts.
