By: Naraya Lamart, Joseph Nicholls and Emma Campbell

At a glance

  • The shipping world was waiting with bated breath last week as Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) prepared to vote on the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, including the much-anticipated IMO Net-Zero Framework.
  • However, in a shifting political landscape, delegates at the Maritime Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC) 2nd extraordinary session in London were unable to reach a consensus, or even call a vote, after several days of negotiations.
  • Instead, the IMO has agreed to adjourn the session, with discussions set to resume in 12 months’ time.

What was on the table at the MEPC 2nd extraordinary session?

The MEPC met in London from 14–17 October 2025 for its 2nd extraordinary session to consider draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, including the IMO Net-Zero Framework as a proposed new Chapter 5.

Originally approved at MEPC 83 in April 2025, the IMO Net-Zero Framework sets out a new suite of international regulations designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The framework includes:

  • A global fuel standard requiring ships to gradually reduce their annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI) over time using a “well-to-wake” approach; and
  • A global pricing mechanism where ships exceeding their annual GFI must purchase remedial units, while those using zero or near-zero technologies are rewarded.

Many Member States had hoped for the formal adoption of the framework at last week’s session, paving the way for it to enter into force in 2027. At the time of the framework’s approval, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez had commended Member States for their cooperation and commitment to the measures.

Where did we land?

Despite broad support from several Member States, political hurdles prevented the adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework.

During the session, Singapore’s delegates moved to delay adoption, a motion that Saudi Arabia requested be put to a vote. Ultimately, delegates voted 57 to 49 in favour of the delay.

As a result, the session has been adjourned for 12 months, with talks expected to resume in late 2026.

This delay pushes the earliest possible entry into force of a global regulatory framework to early 2028, increasing the risk of a fragmented regulatory landscape in the meantime and prolonging uncertainty for the shipping industry as it navigates decarbonisation efforts.

The IMO has stated that “in the interim, Member States will continue to work towards consensus on the IMO Net-Zero Framework.”

Watch this space.

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