global Shipping emissions deal Collapses After US Opposition
LONDON – A landmark agreement to drastically reduce carbon emissions from the global shipping industry has stalled after negotiations broke down Friday, succumbing to pressure from the United States. The deal, initially reached in April after a decade of talks, would have mandated internationally enforced targets for emissions reductions, making shipping the frist sector globally with such regulations.
The agreement hinged on ship owners beginning to utilize cleaner fuels from 2028 or face financial penalties. Currently, shipping accounts for 3% of global emissions – a figure projected to rise alongside global trade, which relies on sea transport for 90% of goods. Unlike other industries, shipping has struggled to curb its emissions due to a lack of economic incentives. Without intervention, the International Maritime organisation previously estimated emissions could increase by 10% to 150% by 2050.
“we are disappointed that member states have not been able to agree a way forward at this meeting,” said Thomas kazakos, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping, following the failed talks. “Industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments.”
The UK adn moast EU nations favored continuing discussions, but several countries, including Greece, abstained from voting. A coalition including Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the united States voted to adjourn the talks, while China, a previous supporter of the deal, agreed to a delay.
Island nations like Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda also reversed their positions. A delegate from vanuatu revealed to the BBC that these countries, heavily reliant on US trade, faced notable pressure from the Trump governance to change their stance.
The US opposition centers on concerns that the regulations would increase consumer prices. President Trump voiced his disapproval on his Truth Social platform Thursday night, stating: “The United States will NOT stand for this Global Green New Scam tax on Shipping. We will not tolerate increased prices on American Consumers.”
The delay throws into question the timeline for implementing the 2028 regulations. When negotiations resume in April, countries will be forced to re-negotiate the agreement rather then simply approving final steps. Faig Abbasov, program director for maritime transport at Transport and Environment, previously explained the challenge: “There is no fuel as cheap as diesel that ships use today because when we take crude oil out of the ground, we take out all the nice bits, that’s the kerosene for aviation, diesel and petrol for cars.”
