The United States has warned it could impose sanctions, visa restrictions, and other retaliatory measures on countries that support a United Nations plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.

The warning comes ahead of a vote next week by UN member states on the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, a proposal designed to cut carbon dioxide emissions from the global shipping sector. The sector handles around 80% of world trade and is responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

U.S. officials have rejected the IMO’s proposal, saying it could increase costs for citizens, energy providers, shipping companies, and tourists. They warned that countries supporting the plan could face measures such as restrictions on ships entering U.S. ports, visa limits, and sanctions on officials who back it. The U.S. described the proposal as posing “significant economic risks” and creating an unsanctioned global tax system.

While the U.S. remains opposed, major container shipping companies believe a global regulatory framework is essential to speed up decarbonisation in the industry. At the same time, some of the world’s largest oil tanker operators have expressed serious concerns over the proposal.

Supporters of the IMO initiative have cautioned that, without international regulation, the shipping industry could face a mix of local rules that would increase operational costs without effectively reducing emissions.

The upcoming vote is expected to play a key role in shaping global shipping, trade, and climate policy, as countries weigh economic risks against the need to reduce emissions from one of the world’s most polluting industries.

Reference: Reuters