Major shipping industry groups are advocating for a unified global regulatory framework as international delegates prepare for upcoming climate negotiations, according to The Maritime Executive. The principal shipowners associations have expressed their continued commitment to the current Net Zero Framework proposal, while the world’s three largest flag registries, representing half of global tonnage, are urging consideration of different approaches.

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All stakeholders agree on supporting the International Maritime Organization as the sole global regulator to avoid a fragmented system of national emissions rules. A coalition led by shipowner associations points to existing regional regulations, like those from the EU, as an example of the complexity that could arise without a worldwide standard. This group has specified that a range of fuel options, including LNG, LPG, biofuels, ammonia, nuclear power, and carbon capture technology, should be accepted under new rules, despite unresolved questions about their practicality or safety.

The coalition also emphasizes the need for clear and enforceable regulations to provide certainty for fuel producers and to maintain fair competition. A separate coalition, led by the major flag states and supported by leading tanker owners, contends that disagreement over the Net Zero Framework is widening and that alternative solutions must be seriously evaluated at the forthcoming meeting. While details of these alternatives were not disclosed, they are reportedly more favorable toward LNG than the original framework.

The United States delegation has rejected the carbon pricing component of the Net Zero Framework and previously called for its abandonment. American opposition contributed to a delay in the agreement last October, when U.S. negotiators employed threats of retaliation to influence other member states. However, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has limited the executive branch’s authority to adjust tariffs unilaterally, potentially reducing American leverage in the current negotiations.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform