The International Maritime Organization (IMO) said April 11 it had achieved another step towards establishing a legally binding framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships globally, aiming for net-zero emissions by or around 2050.  

Approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MEPC 83) from 7–11 April in London, the measures include a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.  

The IMO Net-zero Framework will combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector, the organization said.   

The U.S. abandoned the talks on April 9, and threatened to reciprocate against any fees that the country’s merchant fleet incurs if such an initiative proceeds, making it unclear where this will leave attempts to decarbonize shipping.  

The approved measures, set to be formally adopted in October 2025 before entry into force in 2027, will become mandatory for large oceangoing ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of the total CO₂ emissions from international shipping.  

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Closing the meeting, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez commended the spirit of cooperation and commitment demonstrated by Member States this week. 

“Now, it is important to continue working together, engaging in dialogue and listening to one another, if we are to create the conditions for successful adoption,” he said.