Countries Reach Draft Agreement on Shipping Emissions Fee

LONDON, April 14, 2025  -  Member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have reached a preliminary consensus to implement a global emissions pricing mechanism for the shipping sector. The draft agreement, expected to be formally adopted in October, introduces a carbon-based fee system, requiring vessels to pay charges aligned with the carbon intensity of their fuel sources. This initiative aims to encourage the maritime industry to shift toward cleaner, low-emission energy alternatives.

The move reflects a growing international momentum to align global trade with environmental sustainability goals. This pricing mechanism represents one of the first tangible steps toward embedding carbon costs into international shipping, a sector responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, supported by the World Resources Institute (WRI), has previously outlined priority actions for the maritime sector to accelerate its sustainable transition. In response to the draft agreement, Tom Pickerell, Global Director of the Ocean Program at WRI, issued the following statement:

“This draft deal marks incremental progress, but it does not fully meet the urgency of the climate crisis. While it introduces a long-awaited emissions fee, the projected impact may fall short of what is required to achieve the IMO’s 2030 emission reduction targets. A more ambitious framework  -  including a global carbon levy  -  could have better supported investment in green fuels and critical infrastructure, particularly in climate-vulnerable coastal nations.

Maritime shipping is the backbone of international commerce, and its decarbonization is vital to protecting both the global supply chain and ocean health. We encourage policymakers and industry leaders to build on this agreement, establish national goals for zero-emission shipping, and invest in clean fuel innovation, fleet modernization, and port transformation.”

Worldcraft Logistics’ Perspective

As a key player in the international logistics and transportation ecosystem, Worldcraft Logistics recognizes the significance of this global agreement. The proposed emissions fee is a pivotal moment for the maritime sector  -  introducing a financial incentive to adopt greener practices.

While this measure alone may not achieve full decarbonization, it opens the door for further policy development, technological innovation, and industry-wide collaboration. We believe that such frameworks are necessary not only for environmental sustainability but also for the resilience and long-term efficiency of global trade.

Worldcraft Logistics advocates for a balanced approach  -  one that supports both environmental objectives and the operational realities faced by carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers. We encourage stakeholders to prioritize scalable solutions, including investments in zero-emission fuels, alternative energy infrastructure, and carbon-reduction technologies that can be implemented across diverse trade routes and vessel types.

*This article has been adapted from the original reporting by Reuters to better suit the interests and readership of Worldcraft Logistics.