By Abbas Nazil
The European Union has reaffirmed its support for the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) proposed global carbon tax aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the international shipping sector, despite strong opposition from the United States.
Ahead of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting in London from October 14 to 17, the EU said it would review its regulations following the adoption of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework.
The European Commission described the framework as a major step toward decarbonising global shipping and ensuring fair competition, calling for its swift adoption.
The IMO Net-Zero Framework introduces two key measures — a global fuel standard that mandates a gradual reduction in the carbon intensity of ship fuels, and a greenhouse gas emissions pricing mechanism to financially encourage compliance.
If approved, the framework will set international benchmarks for cleaner fuels and emission control, marking a historic shift in global maritime policy.
However, the U.S. has warned of possible retaliatory actions against countries supporting the framework, including visa restrictions, additional port fees, sanctions, and commercial penalties targeting ships flagged or operated by those nations.
In a joint statement, U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposed carbon tax as a “punitive global tax regime” that could harm the world economy and place unnecessary burdens on American consumers.
They argued that such a measure would undermine global trade and sovereignty by imposing financial penalties without international consensus.
Despite the threats, shipowners across Europe have urged the EU to maintain its stance and accelerate investment in clean fuels to ensure the shipping industry meets its decarbonisation goals.
The upcoming IMO vote on the Net-Zero Framework is expected to be one of the most consequential in the history of maritime environmental regulation, setting the course for cleaner, more sustainable global shipping.