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The United States has warned Caribbean and other countries not to vote for the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) new Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF). The vote will take place this month and, if passed, the rules will start in 2028.
The NZF is designed to cut pollution from ships and help reach global net-zero targets by 2050. It includes a Global Fuel Standard, a carbon price system, and credits to reward ships using clean fuels. It will apply to all large oceangoing ships over 5,000 tons, which make up most of the world’s shipping emissions.
The plan would make ships switch to cleaner fuels that cost three or four times more than regular fuel. The United States says this will raise global shipping costs by at least 10 per cent and act as a “global carbon tax.”
Several Caribbean islands are economically dependent on US cruises, which makes their position particularly vulnerable.
A joint statement from U.S. Secretaries Rubio, Wright, and Duffy called the proposal “a European-led neocolonial export of climate rules.” They said Washington would fight the measure to protect U.S. economic interests and would impose costs on countries that support it.
The Trump administration said it will not accept any international environmental deal that “hurts the interests of the American people.” Officials warned that any country voting for the NZF could face penalties, including:
– Extra port fees on ships from supporting countries
– Blocking of vessels from U.S. ports
– Visa restrictions and higher visa fees for maritime workers
– Commercial penalties on U.S. government contracts
– Possible sanctions on foreign officials backing the plan
The IMO says 108 member countries are eligible to vote, including 10 from CARICOM. The meeting runs until October 17.
Sources: Jamaica Gleaner, Maritimebell.com
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