The shipping sector and environmental groups have hit out at the inability of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) decision to postpone its vote in its key Net Zero Framework (NZF) for 12 months with some saying it has left the maritime sector all at sea over its climate targets.

After five days of talks the IMO announced it has agreed to adjourn the extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to consider the adoption of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, including the IMO Net-Zero Framework.

The extraordinary session will be reconvened in 12 months’ time. However, in the interim, IMO added Member States will continue to work towards consensus on the IMO Net Zero Framework.

“The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships, scheduled to meet 20 to 24 October 2025, will go ahead to continue work on the guidelines for implementing the Net Zero Framework,” the IMO added.

The IMO Net-Zero Framework comprises a set of international regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, in line with IMO’s 2023 Strategy for Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. It includes two key elements: a global fuel standard and global GHG emissions pricing mechanism.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) said the framework would have created the first global carbon pricing mechanism for any industrial sector with the aim of delivering a clear path for shipping’s transition to net zero.

Thomas A. Kazakos, ICS Secretary General, added: “We are disappointed that member states have not been able to agree a way forward at this meeting. Industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments needed to decarbonise the maritime sector, in line with the goals set out in the IMO GHG strategy.

“As an industry we will continue to work with the IMO, which is the best organisation to deliver the global regulations needed for a global industry.”

Environmental group Seas at Risk described the decision as a result of division adding counties needed to think about how they move forward.

“A week of tension and uncertainty has drawn to a close at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) today, ending with a delay for shipping decarbonisation and the future of our planet,” the group stated. “With big players like the USA and Saudi Arabia applying pressure and using every tactic to slow progress, Seas At Risk is disappointed that the adoption of the Net Zero Framework (NZF) has been officially postponed for another year, leaving shipping adrift on its pathway to decarbonisation.

“Even though the NZF is far from perfect, delays and further IMO discussions result in business as usual, polluting ships and IMO’s own decarbonisation strategy targets becoming unobtainable.”

“Getting the Net-Zero Framework adopted in this MEPC ES.2, however imperfect, was fundamental for shipping to stay within reach of its own decarbonation targets”, said Anaïs Rios, senior shipping policy officer, Seas At Risk. “Emotions have run high this week at the IMO, with once high-ambitious alliances wavering and strategies eclipsing reason. With talk of unity versus division, no single flag should dictate the world’s climate course. With countries like Saudi Arabia leading efforts to delay, few expected a postponement to prevail but here we are. What matters now is that countries rise up and come back to the IMO with a louder and more confident yes vote that cannot be silenced. The planet and the future of shipping does not have time to waste.”