London talks boost hopes for climate deal for shipping
Four days of closed-door talks on reducing emissions from international shipping have concluded in London, United Kingdom. Observers believe they have increased the chances of adopting a relatively ambitious Net-Zero Framework (NZF), Climate Home News reports. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), which coordinates the talks, said the discussions were constructive and that participants were ready to make further concrete progress.
Framework for reducing emissions
International shipping accounts for about 3% of global emissions. In April 2025, governments provisionally agreed on the NZF, a system of emissions-reduction targets for shipowners. It is intended to encourage the use of cleaner fuels through financial rewards for meeting targets and payments for failing to meet them.
In October 2025, the adoption of the NZF was postponed for a year. According to the publication, this happened following the intervention of US President Donald Trump, as well as Washington's threats to impose sanctions and visa restrictions.
An analysis by University College London (UCL) showed that among participants who stated their position during the latest talks, 38 supported a decision in the NZF format, while 17 opposed it. The new framework may be adopted if it receives the votes of two-thirds of the states present that are party to the provisions of MARPOL Annex VI. These provisions have been approved by more than 100 states.
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Possible changes to the agreement
UCL notes that adopting the NZF will be politically difficult. According to analysts, the parties may present an updated package that will formally appear to be a new agreement but will generally retain similar goals. At the same time, changes to the framework could reduce the planned support for low-income countries.
According to UCL's assessment, in the short term, the pace at which shipowners must cut emissions or pay fees may be eased, and later tightened to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. Brazil proposed this compromise. The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) concluded that it could lead to higher cumulative emissions than the original NZF trajectory.
The next rounds of talks are scheduled for November 23–27 and November 30–December 3. A potentially final round of official negotiations is due to begin on December 4.
