ABS boss urges ‘timeout’ on IMO climate push
Shipping Industry Divided Ahead of Key IMO Vote
As the extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) approaches in just 28 days, tensions are escalating within the shipping industry. Christopher Wiernicki, the outgoing chairman and CEO of ABS, has publicly opposed the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) proposed net-zero framework, aligning his stance with the Trump administration’s criticisms. This framework, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping, is set for a crucial vote next month, and the U.S. is rallying support against it.
Controversy Surrounds Proposed Net-Zero Framework
The IMO’s proposed net-zero framework, which gained preliminary approval from a majority of member states in April, seeks to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector. This initiative includes stringent fuel standards and financial penalties for vessels that fail to meet established targets. Proponents argue that these measures are essential for achieving the IMO’s climate goals by 2050. However, the U.S. delegation contends that the regulations would disproportionately favor China while disadvantaging American industries that lead in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels.
Wiernicki expressed his concerns during the launch of the 2025 ABS Sustainability Outlook in London, stating, “Shipping and the IMO are on different trajectories.” He emphasized the lack of a clear pathway for the availability and scalability of green fuels, urging that LNG and biofuels be recognized as critical components in any successful transition to net-zero regulations. He described the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as uncertain, calling for a “timeout” to reassess the framework. Wiernicki highlighted that current emissions remain significantly above the 2008 baseline, and compliance costs are escalating, complicating investment signals in the industry.
In a joint statement, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, reiterated their opposition to any international environmental agreement that they believe would unfairly burden the United States. The U.S. has warned that countries supporting the proposed framework could face retaliatory measures, including tariffs and port levies.
Support and Opposition Within the Industry
Despite the vocal opposition from some sectors, not all U.S. shipping organizations are against the net-zero framework. The Chamber of Shipping of America recently endorsed the proposal, with President Emeritus Kathy Metcalf expressing optimism about reaching a global agreement. She noted that even if the U.S. does not participate, ships arriving in the U.S. would still need to comply with international standards.
The Getting to Zero Coalition, representing over 180 companies and major shipowners, has also called for the adoption of the framework, warning that prolonged uncertainty could jeopardize significant investments critical for the future of global trade. They stressed that a lack of global regulatory guidance would ultimately increase costs for the industry and consumers alike.
Arsenio Domínguez, the IMO’s secretary-general, cautioned that without a unified global framework, national or regional initiatives, such as those from the European Union, could proliferate. He emphasized the need for global measures to ensure efficient maritime operations and avoid competitive imbalances. A spokesperson from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport echoed this sentiment, asserting that global challenges like emissions from international shipping require coordinated global solutions.
The upcoming decision at the MEPC will require a two-thirds majority from the 176 IMO member states that have ratified the relevant convention. While the IMO typically avoids voting, the increasing polarization of opinions suggests that a formal ballot may be on the horizon, with significant implications for the future of the shipping industry.
