IMO asked torecognise wind, USA obstructs

24 March 2026

A broad coalition of maritime industry organizations has formally called on Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt its Net-Zero Framework in 2026, describing it as a decisive step toward eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by or around 2050. Calls have emerged urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to formally recognise wind propulsion as a cornerstone of its Net-Zero Framework (NZF). The calls come ahead of the MEPC 2nd Extraordinary Session in London this week.

USA obstructs en threatens

Previously, during the second extraordinary session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2), held in October 2025, the United States strongly opposed the proposed Net-Zero Framework. U.S. officials framed the plan as an economically harmful global carbon tax and actively lobbied other countries to reject or delay it. According to a joint statement released by Secretary of State Rubio, Secretary of Energy Wright, and Secretary of Transportation, 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.

As stated, the economic impacts from this measure could be disastrous, with some estimates forecasting global shipping costs increasing as much as 10% or more. Furthermore, the NZF proposal poses significant risks to the global economy and subjects not just Americans, but all IMO member states to an unsanctioned global tax regime that levies punitive and regressive financial penalties, which could be avoided. The United States is considering the following actions against nations that support this global carbon tax on American consumers:

Pursuing investigations and considering potential regulations to combat anti-competitive practices from certain flagged countries and potential blocking vessels registered in those countries from U.S. ports;
Imposing visa restrictions including an increase in fees and processing, mandatory re-interview requirements and/or revisions of quotas for C-1/D maritime crew member visas;
Imposing commercial penalties stemming from U.S. government contracts including new commercial ships, liquified natural gas terminals and infrastructure, and/or other financial penalties on ships flagged under nations in favor of the NZF;
Imposing additional port fees on ships owned, operated, or flagged by countries supporting the framework; and
Evaluating sanctions on officials sponsoring activist-driven climate policies that would burden American consumers, among other measures under consideration.

Pivotal moment

Shipping stands at a pivotal juncture. The upcoming decisions could determine whether the sector accelerates toward meaningful decarbonisation or stalls in delay and uncertainty. Technology providers, sustainability advocates, and industry coalitions are united in the belief that consistent recognition of wind energy, as championed by the International Windship Association (IWSA), is essential to achieving a practical and equitable pathway to net-zero emissions.

Positioning wind alongside alternative fuels

The IWSA’s submission to MEPC/ES.2 emphasises: ‘Wind is free at source and the only truly zero-emission energy available at scale to the global fleet today.’ By systematically integrating wind within the NZF, the IMO can deliver a framework that is neutral, transparent, and fair, positioning wind alongside alternative fuels and energy efficiency solutions. The NZF has the potential to act as a global signal providing certainty to unlock finance, accelerate innovation, and scale proven technologies. But that power depends on consistent accounting across the sector. Without it, distortions in technology uptake, compliance, and funding allocation could slow the pace of progress, state the parties behind the call. As the IWSA notes, consistent treatment of wind is a litmus test for the IMO’s commitment to technology and energy-source neutrality. The organisation also stresses that wind propulsion should be integrated from the outset, not treated as a late-stage addition.

A practical path forward

As discussions intensify, industry consensus is emerging around several key principles:

Neutrality, not exceptions – Wind must be recognised as a zero-carbon energy source, with full inclusion in intensity and compliance frameworks.
Data and verification – The IWSA proposes streamlined methods to capture and validate wind energy contributions through the IMO Data Collection System.
Fair access to funding – Wind propulsion should be proportionately rewarded within the NZF Fund, supporting early fleet-scale adoption.
Scalability and co-benefits – Wind delivers fuel savings, operational resilience, and immediate emissions reductions—available for both newbuilds and retrofits.
Maintain a global lane – A unified NZF is far more effective than fragmented national regimes, ensuring competitiveness and clarity for all actors.
Also read: Wind-assisted ship propulsion nears tipping point for rapid adoption

Industry alignment

Organisations across the maritime sector are working to deliver technologies that reduce emissions now, technologies that maintain vessel performance and commercial viability. Wind-assist solutions, already proven and deployable at scale, offer a reliable and complementary path alongside emerging fuels.

“Rapid adoption of the IMO’s Net‑Zero Framework in 2026 would send a powerful signal to producers and investors that Europe is committed to a global, level‑playing‑field transition, unlocking the clean fuel volumes shipping urgently needs.”
Maarten Wetselaar, CEO, Moeve.

Source: SWZ Marine and SAFETY4SEA
Picture:Upply

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