The UK Chamber of Shipping (UKCS) has commented on the latest statement from the US Administration on the IMO Net Zero Framework and what it might mean for upcoming IMO discussions.
In a joint statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, the Trump administration reaffirmed its stance against the IMO Net Zero Framework and what it views as a ‘global carbon tax’.
According to UKCS, the US administration’s view is that these measures could disproportionately impact US consumers and shipping companies. The US has also raised objections to the exclusion of certain fuel technologies and the perceived lack of transparency in the IMO’s decision-making process. In parallel, the US is expanding its maritime sanctions enforcement, with new desks being established across key agencies. This, it is anticipated, could lead to stricter scrutiny of global shipping operations, including those involving UK-flagged vessels.
As the industry prepares for the next round of IMO discussions in October, UKCS continues to work to influence the industry position ahead of discussions, including in the development of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) position paper on supporting the IMO framework and in working to ensure government understands and accounts for the priorities of the shipping industry in its own positioning ahead of the talks.
