UN shipping regulator advocates for industry emissions fee at COP30, despite Trump pushback

International Maritime Organization Chief Pushes Forward on Shipping Emissions Regulations Despite Setbacks

The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for global shipping regulations aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependency, despite significant opposition from the United States and Saudi Arabia that blocked new rules last month.

Speaking at a side event during the United Nations climate negotiations in Belém, Brazil, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized that efforts to establish a framework for decarbonizing the shipping industry will continue despite the recent setback.

“Don’t think the IMO stops there, because we don’t,” Dominguez told attendees gathered near the edge of the Brazilian Amazon. “We need to learn from this experience, these circumstances.”

The regulations, known as the “Net-Zero Framework,” would have established the first global carbon fee on shipping. The framework had initially received agreement in April, with formal adoption expected last month. However, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described it as a “global green new scam tax on shipping,” along with Saudi Arabia and several other nations, delegates postponed the decision for a year.

The proposed regulations included a marine fuel standard that would gradually reduce allowable greenhouse gas emissions from shipping fuels. Additionally, they would implement a pricing system imposing a minimum fee of $100 for every ton of greenhouse gases emitted by ships above permitted limits.

This delay represents a significant hurdle for global climate efforts, as shipping emissions have grown to approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions over the past decade due to expanding international trade. Most commercial vessels currently operate on heavy fuel oil, which releases substantial carbon dioxide and other pollutants when burned.

Industry experts emphasize the urgency of action, noting that large ships typically have a 25-year operational lifespan, meaning investments and changes are needed immediately to achieve meaningful emissions reductions. The International Chamber of Shipping, representing over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet, had advocated for adopting these regulations.

Despite the postponement, Dominguez maintained an optimistic outlook, stating that progress continues on developing the shipping fee framework. He notably refrained from criticizing the United States or other countries that opposed the new regulations, acknowledging the current “volatile” global political climate.

“I will go to everyone to engage proactively, in a fair manner, to work with all the member states and sectors that need to be part of the decarbonization,” Dominguez said. “Shipping is not going to decarbonize on its own.”

Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, climate envoy for the Netherlands, expressed disappointment over the delay but emphasized the importance of moving forward constructively. Speaking after Dominguez, he noted that the Netherlands and numerous other countries had been prepared to adopt the regulations in London last month and had expected to celebrate this achievement at COP30.

“We see its merits for addressing greenhouse gases and contributing to a just and equitable transition,” the Dutch envoy said. “We also continue to work constructively with all interested parties to overcome the barriers for its adoption next year.”

The United States is conspicuously absent from the current climate conference, joining only San Marino, Afghanistan, and Myanmar as non-participants. This absence further complicates global climate cooperation efforts, particularly in sectors requiring international coordination like shipping.

During the IMO side event, Andrew Forrest of Fortescue, an Australian green technology, energy, and metals company, emphasized that pollution-free shipping is achievable. “We’re not woke, we’re not green,” Forrest stated. “We’re a bunch of very pragmatic scientists and business people who are switching off fossil fuels.”

The shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts represent a critical component of global climate action, with implications for international trade, supply chains, and emissions reduction targets. As the IMO continues to advocate for regulatory frameworks, the outcome of next year’s deliberations will significantly impact the pace and scale of the maritime sector’s transition away from fossil fuels.