The Marine Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC) extraordinary session (MEPC/ES.2), held from 14–17 October 2025, concluded without consensus or a vote on the Net-Zero Framework agreed in April. The session’s adjournment for a full year extends uncertainty around the regulatory roadmap for shipping’s transition to zero emissions.
Prolonged Uncertainty for Shipping’s Decarbonisation Path
Despite strong momentum earlier this year, Member States faced significant political challenges that stalled the adoption of the Net-Zero Framework. The delay poses serious implications for meeting the sector’s decarbonisation timelines, as defined in the framework agreed in April.
Jesse Fahnestock, Director of Decarbonisation at the Global Maritime Forum, described the outcome as a setback:“Today’s adjournment is a disappointing setback for shipping, but not the end of this journey. The adjournment for a full year creates serious challenges for meeting the timelines in the Net-Zero Framework agreed in April and will make delivery of the sector’s decarbonisation targets even more challenging,”
Continued Work on Implementation Guidelines
Although the framework’s adoption has been delayed, the MEPC will continue developing the technical and policy guidelines necessary for its eventual implementation. These include:
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Designing incentives for the use of zero and near-zero emission fuels,
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Defining the use of funds to ensure a just and equitable transition, and
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Establishing robust emissions accounting mechanisms.
Strong progress on these guidelines could pave the way for formal adoption next year.
Call for Renewed Multilateral and Industry Commitment
Fahnestock urged IMO Member States to reaffirm their commitment to multilateral collaboration and maintain momentum toward a unified global regulatory approach.
“We encourage Member States that agreed on the framework in April to re-confirm their commitment to multilateralism and continue the urgent work of developing guidelines and adopting a regulatory framework that can deliver on the IMO’s unanimously agreed Greenhouse Gas Strategy.”
In the meantime, industry stakeholders and national governments are expected to play a key role in sustaining progress. The call to action emphasizes that forward-looking nations should champion ambitious decarbonisation policies, while maritime companies continue investing in innovative technologies and low-emission solutions.
While the MEPC’s adjournment represents a temporary setback, continued collaboration among global, regional, and industry actors remains vital to achieving the IMO’s 2050 net-zero ambitions. The coming year will be crucial in shaping the final form of the regulatory framework that will steer international shipping toward a sustainable, zero-emission future.
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Source: GLOBAL MARITIME FORUM
