{"id":78395,"date":"2026-02-06T06:38:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T09:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/889937209"},"modified":"2026-02-06T06:38:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T09:38:29","slug":"washington-slows-full-shipping-decarbonisation-sends-message-to-imo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/06\/washington-slows-full-shipping-decarbonisation-sends-message-to-imo\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington slows full shipping decarbonisation, sends message to IMO"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cyprus<\/strong> shipping deputy minister Marina Hadjimanolis<\/strong> joined ministers and international officials in a high-level debate on maritime decarbonisation, where the United States<\/strong> set out firm objections to the Net Zero Framework (NZF)<\/strong> while backing the institutional role of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).<\/p>\n

The discussion took place at the ministerial panel of the 16th Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum<\/strong> organised by Capital Link, also attended by Greece\u2019s maritime affairs minister Vasilis Kikilias<\/strong>, Malta transport minister Chris Bonett<\/strong> and US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs Marco Sylvester<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Sylvester warned the transition risked failure without realism<\/strong>, technical documentation<\/strong> and active industry participation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

He clarified that Washington\u2019s rejection of the NZF did not amount to withdrawal from international cooperation, but argued the framework alters the character of the IMO, transforming it from a technical organisation for safety and security of navigation into a global climate policy regulator.<\/p>\n

According to him, such a development is not consistent with either the mission of the IMO or US interests. \u201cCommon sense is needed,\u201d<\/strong> he said, calling for a review of a framework that, in Washington\u2019s view, freezes progress more than it facilitates it.<\/p>\n

The US sees two paths ahead, either recycling the confrontations that marked discussions last October, or moving beyond a framework preventing substantial progress.<\/p>\n

Only through open dialogue<\/strong>, he added, can a workable and acceptable outcome be achieved.<\/p>\n

In parallel, Washington proposed stronger state accountability<\/strong>, including explicit ratification of regulations by national governments so that decisions are not attributed exclusively to the IMO.<\/p>\n

Particular emphasis was also placed on industry participation<\/strong>. Sylvester urged market players to state clearly what is technically and economically feasible, noting that zero-emission targets<\/strong> carry significant costs which first burden shipping and are ultimately passed on to consumers. In that context, excluding shipping from decision-making was described as unrealistic.<\/p>\n

Hadjimanolis, for her part, called for realism<\/strong> and meaningful listening to the shipping industry, pointing out that legislation often precedes understanding of how the sector actually operates.<\/p>\n

From the Greek side, Kikilias said any new burden on shipping inevitably moves from the ship to the charterer and eventually to the consumer.<\/p>\n

He noted the transition is being requested towards fuels that currently cover only a minimal share of global availability while the required infrastructure remains absent.<\/p>\n

Given that up to 90 per cent of global trade<\/strong> is transported by sea, he warned the decisions taken will have direct and profound effects on the cost of living<\/strong> and social cohesion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Bonett meanwhile raised the issue of European unity<\/strong>, saying the EU must act as a single entity on such critical matters.<\/p>\n