Global ports are warning that the failure of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt the Net Zero Framework (NZF) at its extraordinary MEPC meeting in October 2025 could derail the maritime sector’s energy transition and hinder port development, especially in developing nations.
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has issued urgent calls to IMO Member States, stressing that rejection of the NZF would create investment uncertainty, slow the deployment of alternative fuels, and deepen inequalities between advanced and emerging economies. The NZF, agreed in principle in April 2025, outlines binding fuel standards and greenhouse gas (GHG) pricing measures aimed at steering global shipping toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
What’s at Stake in the IMO Vote
The October vote is considered one of the most consequential decisions in recent maritime history. The NZF is designed to give investors and governments a predictable regulatory framework, reducing risks for major infrastructure projects. With clear market signals, financiers would be more likely to back terminals for hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and other alternative fuels, alongside new ship technologies and workforce training.
According to the IAPH, this certainty is essential for a just and equitable transition. Many ports in Africa, South America, and South Asia lack the resources to independently fund green infrastructure. The association warns that without a global standard, these regions risk being excluded from emerging fuel trade routes and could fall further behind in international competitiveness.
Concerns and Divisions
While momentum for adoption is strong among major maritime organizations, resistance remains. Several Member States are voicing concerns over potential economic impacts, including higher operating costs for shipowners and the readiness of global supply chains to adapt. Some fear that immediate enforcement of strict measures could place additional pressure on fleets already struggling with compliance under the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI).
Industry observers note that geopolitical tensions could further complicate negotiations. Disagreements between high-income and developing economies over climate responsibilities have long shaped international maritime debates, and the NZF vote is no exception. Some governments argue for phased implementation, while others call for immediate adoption to avoid further delays.
Industry Reaction and Lobbying Efforts
Despite these challenges, the IAPH continues to rally support. Backed by the Global Maritime Forum and other leading industry stakeholders, the association insists that adoption of the NZF would accelerate decarbonization while providing safeguards for developing economies. The IAPH emphasizes that the framework includes provisions for capacity building, training, and financial support aimed at ensuring inclusivity in the transition.
Experts warn that a failure to adopt the NZF would not only undermine the IMO’s 2023 GHG Strategy but also stall projects currently under development. Investment in zero- and near-zero emission fuels has already reached billions of dollars, but financiers remain cautious. Without binding rules, there is a strong risk that capital will shift away from the sector, leaving ports unprepared for the demands of future trade.
As the October MEPC meeting approaches, the pressure is mounting. The IAPH has made it clear that consensus—or at minimum a two-thirds majority vote—is essential to prevent disruption in global shipping’s decarbonization pathway. The outcome will likely shape the pace and equity of maritime energy transition for decades to come.
