EU Shipping Emissions Hit Record High as Implementation of an IMO Net Zero Framework Is Delayed

EU Shipping Emissions Hit Historic High Despite Trade Decline

European shipping emissions reached their highest recorded levels ever in 2024, surging 13% despite a decrease in seaborne trade among EU nations, according to official Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) data released on November 7, 2025. This unexpected rise is thought to be caused by Red Sea disruptions which forced vessels to take longer routes while simultaneously increasing operational speeds in order to keep schedules.

Container ships emerged as the primary driver of increased emissions, with a 46% increase in their contribution to total shipping pollution. This escalation resulted from an 18% increase in average sailing distances and a 3% rise in average operational speeds, alongside the deployment of additional vessels needed to service the extended routes. The data underscores shipping's sensitivity to speed variations, with each 1% increase in velocity generating approximately 3% growth in emissions.

MSC was again the top polluting shipping company operating in European waters, emitting 15.6 million tonnes of CO2. Outside container lines, Grimaldi Group had the biggest emissions footprint with 3.8 million tonnes, followed by Carnival with 2.5 million tonnes. Fossil fuel carriers continued to represent around 20% of total EU shipping emissions - levels consistent with 2018 baseline measurements.

IMO Delays Net Zero Framework Vote Amid Political Opposition

International Maritime Organization officials decided to postpone their vote on the Net-Zero Framework until October 2026 due to political pressure. The framework, intended to help shipping achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, faced opposition from both consumers and energy providers as well as shipping companies; especially with Donald Trump administration voicing concern that such policy would raise costs for them all.

The US Administration issued warnings to other nations against supporting this framework, threatening investigations, visa restrictions, sanctions and additional port fees should any country ally itself with this initiative. In response to such diplomatic pressure from Washington, IMO decided to postpone their adoption vote so they may refine details regarding timing and pricing mechanisms of a proposed greenhouse gas pricing system before final approval is given for adoption.

The postponement has created regulatory uncertainty within the maritime industry at a critical juncture for decarbonization efforts. Industry observers warn against a 'wait and see' attitude, noting that the delay undermines momentum for zero-emission shipping initiatives while the feasibility gap between conventional and green fuels persists as a significant barrier to transition.

Green Shipping Corridors Expand in spite of Regulatory Concerns

Even during this delay in implementation of an International Maritime Organization framework, maritime industry progress continued apace; 25 new zero-emission shipping corridors were launched worldwide during 2025 bringing total operational or planned routes up to 84 globally. China, India and Brazil emerged as leaders in taking advantage of opportunities offered by zero-emission shipping while remaining prudent due to regulatory uncertainty.

For the first time since the Global Maritime Forum's annual progress report began tracking these initiatives in 2022, four green shipping corridors reached the 'realisation stage,' marking a significant milestone where construction and operation of zero-emission vessels, infrastructure, and fuel production facilities commenced. However, the report cautioned that many of the 84 initiatives remain constrained by a 'feasibility wall' created by substantial cost differentials between conventional fuels and zero-emission alternatives, a challenge the delayed Net-Zero Framework was intended to address through carbon pricing mechanisms.