Overview
- Member states at an emergency session in London on Oct. 17 voted to postpone adoption of the MARPOL amendment regulating greenhouse gases from international shipping.
- The motion to delay passed 57–49 with more than 20 abstentions, according to reporting from the meeting.
- Reuters and other outlets report the U.S. administration opposed the plan and warned of sanctions, including potential port-entry bans for ships from countries backing the measure.
- The proposal seeks net-zero emissions around 2050 by phasing in stricter standards, charging ships that exceed fuel-emissions thresholds, and offering rewards for lower-emission fuels.
- The framework had been expected to be adopted this week with possible entry into force as early as March 2027, and the deferral drew criticism from vulnerable states such as Vanuatu.