The global shipping industry is facing renewed uncertainty as both regulatory delays and escalating trade tensions reshape the operating environment.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has voted to delay adoption of its long-anticipated Net Zero Framework (NZF) by one year, following strong opposition from the United States and Saudi Arabia. The framework, which was expected to enter into force in 2027, aims to establish a global carbon pricing system to drive maritime decarbonization.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed that the NZF remains “very much alive,” but acknowledged the geopolitical challenges that influenced the vote. Industry reaction has been divided — with groups such as the International Chamber of Shipping voicing disappointment over the setback, while others, including Intertanko, see the extra time as an opportunity to refine the framework’s design.
The delay comes amid growing concern that the industry is falling behind its climate goals. A recent progress report from the Global Maritime Forum and UCL Energy Institute found that shipping remains off track to meet the target of having 5–10% of its fuel mix come from scalable zero-emission fuels (SZEF) by 2030. While technology continues to advance, weak demand signals and stalled financing are slowing the transition.
Adding to the pressure, the United States has announced new port fees targeting Chinese-linked shipping, set to take effect next week. Under the new rules, operators of Chinese-owned or Chinese-built vessels will be required to pay steep levies — in some cases up to $50 per net ton or $120 per container discharged — prior to arrival at U.S. ports. Ships that fail to show proof of payment risk being denied unloading or clearance. LNG carriers are the only vessels exempt from the fees.
In response, China has vowed to retaliate with countermeasures against countries enforcing discriminatory tariffs or port fees. The move heightens already tense relations between the world’s two largest trading nations and introduces further uncertainty for global carriers and logistics operators.
With the IMO’s decarbonization plans on hold and trade frictions escalating, the global shipping industry is bracing for a volatile end to 2025. For shipowners, operators, and marine fuel suppliers alike, navigating this period will require flexibility, forward planning, and a careful watch on fast-moving geopolitical developments.
