According to a Reuters analysis, most major players in the shipping sector are continuing their investments in emission-reducing fuels and vessels even after the collapse of global talks on a carbon price. The analysis was based on data and interviews with shipping firms, ship brokers, bunker suppliers, and marine technology providers.

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In 2025, the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency, saw discussions on a proposed Net-Zero Framework, which was initially proposed in 2023, collapse. The framework included a global fuel standard and a pricing mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions. The talks ended after the United States and Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil producers, secured enough support to postpone a decision on a carbon price for one year.

The IMO has estimated that shipping emissions, which account for approximately 3% of the global total, could increase by up to 150% by mid-century without intervention. Despite the failure to establish a global framework, the industry has not altered its investment direction. Interviews indicate that most companies are proceeding with plans to use more alternative fuels or order new vessels capable of running on both traditional fuel oil and cleaner alternatives like LNG, methanol, and ammonia.

Regional regulations, such as the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, are cited as a key driver for these ongoing investments. Industry analysis suggests that the business case for low-carbon fuels like ammonia and methanol remains viable for trades concentrated around Europe, prompting companies to prepare for long-term regulatory requirements.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform