Now is the time to approve the IMO’s plan for the future of shipping

Summary

The IMO’s proposed Net-Zero Framework marks a historic step for international shipping, combining a global fuel standard with carbon pricing to phase out dirty bunker fuels and accelerate the transition to zero-emission alternatives like green ammonia and e-fuels. For African nations and small island states, its approval is critical: the framework will channel billions in climate finance to vulnerable economies, support a just transition, and protect countries most exposed to rising shipping costs and climate impacts. While the proposal is not perfect, it establishes the foundation for stronger ambition in the years ahead.