ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government has hinted at the possibility of not voting in support of a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at reducing emissions in the maritime sector.
The United States has already warned countries, including those in the Caribbean, not to support the NZF, which is being pushed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It was approved in April 2025 and is set for adoption during the Marine Environmental Protection Committee meeting scheduled for October 17.
“Like the United States, we are equally concerned about this transition and we think that there should be a deferral and if there is no deferral, then we clearly will abstain,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne told the state-owned ABS, saying Antigua and Barbuda favours a deferral in the adoption of the proposal as it will likely affect cost of living for the people of this country.
” We will not vote against it because, at the end of the day, we are one of the most strident climate advocates, as we have been advocating for net-zero, so we do not want to undermine our overall position on this transition to renewables and to achieve net-zero as soon as possible.
“But this particular initiative could result in significant shipping costs that would result in increasing cost-of-living, and it’s from that standpoint that we are likely to abstain,” Prime Minister Browne added.
But he made it clear that his position was not due to the threat by Washington and that St. John’s was taking a position as a sovereign state looking after its own self-interest.
“We certainly cannot support the initiative at this time,” he said.
In a joint statement issued by the Secretary of State Rubio, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy, the United States warned countries against supporting “this European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations.
“We will fight hard to protect our economic interests by imposing costs on countries if they support the NZF. Our fellow IMO members should be on notice,” they said.
Washington has said that President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that unduly or unfairly burdens the United States or harms the interests of the American people.
It said that this week’s vote on the adoption “will be the first time that a UN organization levies a global carbon tax on the world.
“The Administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers, or tourists.
The NZF seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping to align with the 2050 net-zero target. Key components include a Global Fuel Standard (GFS) setting annual GHG intensity reduction targets, a two-tier carbon price mechanism, and a credit trading system funded by penalties to reward zero and near-zero-emission fuels and support a just transition.
The NZF presents a new regulatory era in which ships will be required to gradually adopt fuels that are typically three to four times more expensive compared with conventional fossil fuels. Given the long lifespan of ships, shipowners should prepare now for the new net-zero GHG emission regulations to ensure cost-effective compliance, both at the boat and the fleet level.
The Framework will apply to all oceangoing ships over 5,000 gross tonnage (GT). These ships are responsible for over 85 per cent of global shipping emissions and are already covered by reporting requirements for fuel data collection. Ships under 5,000 GT are currently not covered.
IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, said while the IMO Net-Zero Framework “is not perfect,” it “provides a balanced basis for our further work ahead of its entry into force in 2027.
“This process has been inclusive and thorough,” Dominguez added, urging delegates to approach the talks “with diplomacy and respect.
“Here, we are diplomatic and respectful to one another, we listen to everyone’s opinion, we take steps forward, and we are always looking to improve in this ever-changing sector.”
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