Jeanne M. Grasso and Holli B. Packer ●
Introduction: A New Era for Maritime Decarbonization
The International Maritime Organization’s (“IMO”) Marine Environment Protection Committee approved a sweeping package of draft regulations known as the “IMO Net-Zero Shipping Framework” (the “Framework”) in April 2025. This Framework will be voted on in October 2025 and, if adopted, will enter into force by March 2027. It marks an ambitious and comprehensive global effort to align the maritime sector with international climate goals. However, the Framework has also sparked significant debate among IMO member states, most notably the United States, which has voiced strong opposition to the proposed measures. This article provides an overview of the proposed regulations and broader industry implications, while also highlighting the United States’ position and the Framework’s potential impact on the future of maritime decarbonization.
The IMO Net-Zero Framework: Scope and Ambition
The Framework is the centerpiece of the IMO’s mid-term greenhouse gas (“GHG”) reduction measures, intended to be formalized as a new Chapter 5 of MARPOL Annex VI. Its primary objective is to achieve net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050, in line with the 2023 IMO Strategy on GHG Emissions. The Framework applies to all vessels of 5,000 gross tons and above on international voyages, with limited exceptions for vessels operating solely within national waters, non-mechanically propelled vessels, and certain offshore platforms.
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