The Extraordinary Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded without the expected adoption of the amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, which would have established the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework. The outcome leaves the industry facing another year of uncertainty on the path toward decarbonization.
The Net-Zero Framework, approved in principle at MEPC 83 in April 2025, aims to deliver full decarbonization of the sector by 2050 through two key instruments: a Global Fuel Standard (GFI) to gradually reduce the greenhouse-gas intensity of marine fuels, and a Carbon Pricing Mechanism to drive compliance through market incentives. The October meeting had been expected to adopt the framework formally, but discussions ended with a decision to adjourn the vote on adoption by one year.
A Divided Meeting
Held from 14–17 October in London, the Extraordinary MEPC opened with cautious optimism but soon revealed deep divisions. A group of member states opposing the framework challenged both its content and the committee’s procedures. The debate grew increasingly political, marked by unprecedented levels of lobbying and shifting of member states’ positions.
Saudi Arabia called for a vote to adjourn the session by one year—a motion that passed with 57 votes in favor, 49 against, and 21 abstentions, while eight delegations were absent. The result postponed any decision until October 2026. In April, 103 countries had participated in the vote to approve the framework in principle, with a majority in favor. In October, participation rose to 127 delegations, showing that more countries had been mobilized to support one side or the other.
Notably, Greece and Cyprus, which had supported the framework in April, abstained this time, revealing a not fully united European bloc. Meanwhile, China and India voted to postpone the decision, while Japan and the Republic of Korea abstained—reversing their earlier support for approval.
Debate on the Acceptance Procedure
Another key debate focused on the procedure for acceptance of future amendments. Traditionally, IMO conventions use a tacit acceptance procedure, where amendments enter into force automatically after a set period unless enough states object. Several delegations, however, proposed an explicit acceptance procedure, meaning amendments would only enter into force once two-thirds of contracting governments representing at least half of world gross tonnage formally accept them. This approach could significantly delay implementation and will be revisited at MEPC 84 in April 2026.
The continued uncertainty has left the industry without the regulatory clarity it needs to plan long-term investments. While the adjournment does not amount to rejection, it extends the period without a clear policy signal, slowing progress toward decarbonization.
Next Steps and Intersessional Work
Despite the setback, work continues. Following the October meeting, the Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction of GHG Emissions (ISWG–GHG 20) convened to advance technical guidelines supporting the Net-Zero Framework. Although some delegations questioned the need to proceed before adoption, the group agreed that continued work is essential to build consensus ahead of the next MEPC session.
Discussions covered key areas such as sustainable fuel certification and lifecycle assessment methods, zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources (ZNZs) and the reward mechanisms, the design of a possible IMO Net-Zero Fund, and calculation and compliance approaches for the greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI). Delegations also discussed updates to the LCA guidelines, the establishment of an IMO GFI registry, and preparations for the Fifth IMO GHG Study.
While progress was made in defining concepts and identifying areas for alignment, no concrete recommendations or decisions were reached. The group will reconvene at ISWG–GHG 21 in 2026 to continue developing guidelines and to narrow differences ahead of the next adoption attempt.
Outlook
The postponement of the Net-Zero Framework marks a critical juncture for the IMO and the global shipping sector. The earliest possible entry into force has now shifted from March 2027 to March 2028, but the final outcome will depend on whether consensus can be rebuilt over the coming year. Despite uncertainty, the technical work and ongoing dialogue show that momentum toward a global regulatory framework continues — even as the path to zero emissions remains complex and politically charged.