US warns Caribbean and other nations over upcoming IMO net-zero shipping vote

The United States has issued a warning to countries — including several in the Caribbean — ahead of a key vote later this month at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on adopting a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at slashing emissions from the global maritime industry.

In a joint statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy described the initiative as a “European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations,” and cautioned that Washington is prepared to impose penalties on nations that support the measure.

“The United States will be moving to levy these remedies against nations that sponsor this European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations. We will fight hard to protect our economic interests by imposing costs on countries if they support the NZF,” the statement said. “Our fellow IMO members should be on notice.”

The Net-Zero Shipping Framework, first approved in April and slated for adoption during the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting that runs until October 17, would require major emission cuts across the global shipping sector. If adopted, the new rules would take effect in 2028.

IMO officials say 108 member states are eligible to vote, including 10 from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The framework proposes to align international shipping with global 2050 net-zero targets through a Global Fuel Standard, carbon pricing mechanisms, and a credit trading system to incentivize the use of cleaner fuels.

However, the Trump administration has rejected the proposal, arguing that it constitutes the first-ever global carbon tax imposed by a United Nations body and would “unfairly burden” American consumers and industries.

“The Administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies, and their customers,” the statement continued. “The economic impacts from this measure could be disastrous, with some estimates forecasting global shipping costs increasing as much as 10 percent or more.”

Washington also warned that it is considering several retaliatory actions against nations that vote in favor of the NZF, including:

• Investigations and possible restrictions targeting vessels registered in supportive countries;

• Visa limitations and higher processing fees for maritime crew members;

• Additional port fees for ships owned, operated, or flagged by countries backing the framework; and

• Potential sanctions or commercial penalties affecting shipping contracts and LNG infrastructure.

The U.S. said it views the NZF as a “punitive and regressive” global tax regime that threatens the stability of international trade.

The proposed IMO framework would apply to all oceangoing vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage — ships that currently account for more than 85 percent of global maritime emissions. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas intensity gradually and create funding streams to reward operators who transition to zero- or near-zero-emission fuels.