The United States has withdrawn from ongoing negotiations in London aimed at advancing decarbonisation in the global shipping sector. Washington’s move comes as the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) considers measures to help the shipping industry reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The U.S. has voiced strong opposition to a proposal led by the European Union and other nations that seeks to implement the world’s first carbon levy on shipping for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In a diplomatic note, the U.S. government expressed its rejection of any economic measures targeting American ships based on their GHG emissions or fuel choices. The note indicated that the U.S. would not participate in discussions during the IMO’s 3rd Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting, held from April 7 to 11, 2025. Washington also warned that it would consider “reciprocal measures” to counter any fees imposed on U.S. vessels.
The U.S. has further opposed any measures that could funnel funds into projects unrelated to the shipping industry, adding to its objections. As negotiations proceed, the U.S. has urged other countries to reconsider supporting the GHG emissions measures under consideration.
Despite the U.S. withdrawal, IMO discussions continued, with delegates from other nations emphasizing the need for global cooperation on decarbonisation. Albon Ishoda, the special envoy for maritime decarbonisation from the Marshall Islands, stressed that while the U.S. has considerable influence, the negotiations must move forward with countries committed to addressing the climate challenge.
China and Brazil are among other nations that have also raised concerns about a potential carbon levy, arguing it could disproportionately affect emerging economies that depend on trade. The U.S. withdrawal adds to the ongoing complexities surrounding international climate agreements, including Washington’s previous exit from the Paris climate accord under the Trump administration.
Source: Swifteradio.com
