STATEMENT: “Disgraceful”: IMO Misses Boat on Tackling Shipping’s Contribution to Climate Change

WASHINGTON – The International Maritime Organization failed to adopt the world’s first-ever global, legally binding carbon price—postponing for a year a vote on the measure at a meeting today in London. The agreement would have dictated that all large ships operating globally, including cruise ships, are required to slash emissions 17% by 2028—with increasing emission reduction targets thereafter—or pay a fee. Currently, the global shipping sector runs on some of the dirtiest fossil fuels and accounts for 3% of global carbon emissions—polluting the ocean and imperiling the health of people in coastal areas. Delaine McCullough, Ocean Conservancy’s shipping program director, released the following statement:

“The failure of IMO member states to clinch this agreement is a major setback for people and the planet. It’s disgraceful that climate action has been delayed when we see the devastating impacts every day, and when shipping fuels have been tied to 250,000 premature deaths and 6 million cases of childhood asthma every year. The agreement would have required ships across the globe to slash their greenhouse gas emissions, driving a sector-wide switch from dirty fossil fuels to zero-emission options, including harnessing the power of wind to traverse the ocean and running on new fuels produced from 100% renewable energy. The agreement would have slashed carbon emissions and saved lives. A world without this agreement is dirtier and more dangerous for people, wildlife and the ocean. 

“While the agreement was not perfect, it was an important step to deliver on the IMO’s commitment and send clear signals to an industry that was not only asking for a global framework, but actively supported this deal. While this delay is a serious setback, there is still a major opportunity to put the sector on a zero-emission pathway. In April 2026, the IMO will continue the revision of its main energy efficiency measure, the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), which would reduce fuel burn through technical and operational measures like simply slowing ships down. Strengthening the CII is absolutely critical to immediate emission reductions, necessary to meet the IMO’s 2030 goals.” 

In the 2018 Greenhouse Gas Strategy, the IMO’s goal was to halve emissions by 2050; thanks in part to Ocean Conservancy’s advocacy, their aim is now to reach net-zero in the same time. 

### 

For additional facts and figures about shipping’s impact on climate, please see our fact sheet.

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram.