Global Shipping Nations Push for Landmark Climate Deal Amid US Resistance

Talks in London aim to impose first-ever global emissions fee on ships, setting the stage for a historic shift in maritime transport

The world’s leading maritime nations are convening in London this week to discuss what could become one of the most transformative environmental policies in modern history a global climate deal for the shipping industry.

The proposal at the center of the talks seeks to introduce a worldwide fee on greenhouse gas emissions from ships, marking the first time the shipping sector would face a direct economic penalty for its carbon footprint.

If passed, this move could not only reshape international trade but also accelerate the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources in one of the world’s most polluting industries.

The Invisible Giant of Global Emissions

Though often overlooked, maritime transport is a major contributor to global pollution. The sector accounts for nearly 3% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to the heavy use of bunker fuel a highly polluting, tar-like oil that powers most ocean-going vessels.

With global trade volumes expected to increase by more than 30% by 2030, experts warn that emissions could rise even further unless strong action is taken.

“We’re on the brink of a major step forward in the efforts to tackle catastrophic climate change,” said Delaine McCullough, shipping program director at the Ocean Conservancy. “And it’s coming from maybe an unexpected place the International Maritime Organization.”

The Net-Zero Framework: A Blueprint for Change

At the heart of the London negotiations is the Net-Zero Framework, a proposal that would establish a global marine fuel standard. This framework would tighten over time, gradually lowering the amount of carbon emissions ships are allowed to produce.

The system also includes a fee on ship emissions, pushing companies to shift toward sustainable fuel alternatives such as green ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels.

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“The goal is to force the shipping industry to switch away from fossil fuels,” explained Faig Abbasov, shipping director at Transport and Environment. “It also includes an economic component that can fund green fuel production.”

Under the proposal, revenues from the emissions fee could be reinvested into developing nations to help them modernize ports and adopt clean energy technologies, making the initiative not just environmental but also economically equitable.

Resistance from the United States

Despite widespread international support, the proposal faces strong opposition from the United States, where the Trump administration has warned of “retaliatory measures” should nations move forward with the deal.

The U.S. has argued that a global emissions fee could increase shipping costs, potentially driving up the price of consumer goods and harming its domestic industries.

However, climate advocates counter that the long-term cost of inaction including rising sea levels, extreme weather, and economic disruptions far outweighs any short-term trade impacts.

“This is about responsibility,” said McCullough. “Every industry must do its part, and shipping has been allowed to fly under the radar for far too long.”

A Divided Industry

The maritime industry itself remains deeply divided. While major European and Asian shipping companies have endorsed the Net-Zero Framework, others particularly in developing nations worry about how the new rules could affect competitiveness.

Critics argue that the deal could penalize smaller fleets that lack the funds to invest in green technology, while larger corporations could adapt more easily.

To address these concerns, negotiators have proposed a tiered system, allowing smaller or lower-income nations more time to comply with the emissions standards.

A Global Turning Point

If adopted, this deal would mark the first time in history that an international body imposes a binding fee on carbon emissions across a global industry. It could also become a template for climate governance in other sectors, from aviation to manufacturing.

For now, the world watches London, where the outcome could define the future of global trade and environmental policy.

“This is not just a shipping story,” said Abbasov. “It’s a test of whether the world can come together to take meaningful climate action even when the politics are tough.”

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