Support builds for IMO framework amid US pressure

A few countries that abstained or voted ‘no’ in April have been voicing support for adoption of the IMO’s framework this week, a source at the meeting told ENGINE.

IMAGE: Representatives from member states at the IMO’s Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships meeting in April. X of @IMOHQ

Correction: An earlier version misstated how many member states the US would need to flip to block adoption. Because only MARPOL Annex VI signatories can vote this week, the US would need to flip 15 “yes” votes to “no” if 64 signatory member states are present and voting. The precise number depends on attendance.

The IMO’s Net-Zero Framework (NZF) is up for adoption this week at the second extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC ES-2) in London.

Some member states that abstained or voted "no" in April are reportedly leaning toward voting in favour of the framework, the source said.

The US has warned that it is considering measures against countries supporting the framework's adoption.

Unlike in April, only Marpol Annex VI signatories are allowed to vote on adopting the framework this week. Of the 63 member states that voted “yes” in April, 57 have the right to vote for or against adoption.

Eight signatories voted “no” in April, of which seven votes counted as Iran had not paid fees.

If 64 signatories also vote this week, the US would need to flip 15 “yes” votes to “no” votes to block the two-thirds majority needed for adoption. But the number of signatories voting could very well change.

Countries such as Panama and Malta have recently voiced support for adoption. Some others, including oil-producing states like Saudi Arabia, remain opposed.

“China isn’t involved in the pressure that Saudi Arabia and the US are deploying,” the source added, noting that the world’s largest oil importer “is aiming for adoption while trying to reach a common decision.”

So far, there have been no “surprising shifts” in positions, but discussions remain ongoing at the IMO, the source said.

“Beyond the framework itself, procedural questions have been raised with the intent to delay, weaken, or challenge it. This has created further uncertainty, though talks are progressing,” the source noted.

By Konica Bhatt

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