IMO faces December decision on Net-Zero Framework as Greek and Cyprus shipping voices raise concerns

London, United Kingdom. The International Maritime Organisation is approaching a potential December decision on its Net-Zero Framework, as Greek and Cyprus shipping representatives call for rules that reflect global fuel supply, ship investment and international competition.

After four days of negotiations in London last week failed to resolve several outstanding issues, governments have less than three months before further talks that could shape global shipping regulation for decades.

Upcoming negotiations

The next round of negotiations, ISWG-GHG 23, is scheduled for November 23 to 27. It will be followed by the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s MEPC 85 session from November 30 to December 3.

Subject to confirmation by MEPC 85, the extraordinary session suspended in October 2025 is due to reconvene on December 4, when governments could again seek to formally adopt the framework.

Framework provisions

The IMO Net-Zero Framework was approved in draft form in April 2025 but remains subject to formal adoption.

It would combine a global marine fuel standard with an emissions pricing mechanism. Ships would be required to progressively reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy they use, while vessels that fail to meet the required thresholds would face additional compliance costs.

Funds raised through the system would be directed to an IMO Net-Zero Fund intended to support zero- and near-zero-emission fuels, innovation and the wider transition.

Outstanding issues

The debate concerns the pace and cost of decarbonisation, as well as the fuels that can realistically support a global fleet operating across thousands of ports.

Agreement on how the system would operate has yet to be reached.