According to foreign media reports, the current U.S. government has explicitly rejected the International Maritime Organization’s net-zero emission plan and threatened retaliation against countries that vote in favor of the plan at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) special session held from October 14 to 17.
However, the specific form this retaliation would take has been unclear, with widespread external expectations pointing to the imposition of tariffs.
A joint statement issued on October 10 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy detailed a range of possible measures. These measures are directly targeted at the shipping and maritime sectors and are similar to the port fees imposed on vessels owned, operated, or built by China, which are set to take effect on October 14 by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The joint statement said: “President Trump has made it clear that the United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that places an excessive or unjust burden on the United States or harms the interests of the American people.”
The New Zealand Fund proposal poses significant risks to the global economy, subjecting not only Americans but all International Maritime Organization member states to an unapproved global taxation system that imposes punitive and regressive financial penalties, which could have been avoided.
For the New Zealand Proposal (NZF) to take effect, IMO member states need to pass it with a two-thirds majority vote at next week’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting. The U.S. is attempting to dissuade countries from supporting the global carbon tax and has developed a series of five measures intended for action against countries that vote in favor.
Possible interception of vessels flying the flags of countries that support anti-competitive behavior.
Imposition of additional port fees on vessels owned, operated, or registered by countries supporting the framework.
Restrictions on visas, imposition of fees, mandatory interview requirements, and quotas for crew visas.
Commercial penalties related to U.S. government contracts involving the use of vessels flying the flags of countries that support the New Zealand frozen assets.
And potential sanctions against officials who support “radical climate policies.”
The joint statement concluded: “The United States will impose these sanctions on countries that support this Europe-led export of global climate rules. We will resolutely defend our economic interests and impose costs on countries supporting the New Zealand Initiative. Other IMO member states should take this as a warning.”
With less than a week until the October 17 vote on “Zero Emission Fuels” (NZF), preparations for the MEPC special session have become increasingly tense over the past month, as member states and industries stake out their positions ahead of the vote.
To what extent the U.S. threats will influence the decision-making of IMO member states remains to be seen.
Compiled by Shipping Online.
Disclaimer: This article is reprinted for the purpose of conveying more information. If there are any inaccuracies in the source attribution or if it infringes upon your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us with proof of ownership. We will promptly make corrections or deletions. Thank you.
