MEPC 84: US claims 'silent majority' opposes IMO Net-Zero Framework

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) claims that a “silent majority” of IMO member states oppose the currently approved draft of the Net-Zero Framework (NZF).

IMAGE: (L-R) Russia, Saudi and US flags against oil pump and oil refining factory at night. Getty Images

IMO member states convened for MEPC 84 in London this week to discuss the fate of the framework, which was approved at MEPC 83 in April 2025.

The US delegation, including FMC Chairman Laura DiBella, met with more than 20 delegations during the week “to encourage member states to explore all available options” which would help reach consensus, the FMC said.

Bilateral discussions revealed that opposition to the approved framework was broader than previously visible in formal proceedings, the FMC claimed.

“…although NZF proponents may believe they have engaged in meaningful negotiations with all parties in the IMO, in reality the insistence of a minority bloc had previously overwhelmed the silent majority - until this week at the MEPC, when that silent majority finally found its voice,” DiBella said.

The FMC said future discussions could potentially extend the authority to monitor flag states that adopt or follow regulations, which could create “unfavourable shipping conditions” in US foreign trade.

Several IMO member states have voiced interest in revising the currently approved emissions rules this week, which could involve removing a GHG pricing mechanism from any future framework.

Revision supporters now include Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Liberia, Panama, Türkiye, Russia, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Somalia, Yemen, Tunisia and the Bahamas.

By Konica Bhatt

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