In October 2025, the International Maritime Organization's (IMO’s) Net-Zero Framework—designed to introduce carbon levies on high-emission fuels and raise up to $10 billion annually for developing nations—was delayed by a 57-49 vote until October 2026.

This episode examines:

• The U.S. role in blocking the measures and reported use of diplomatic leverage

• Saudi Arabia’s contrasting approach with economic incentives

• China’s $18 billion investment in alternative-fuel shipyards and its vote alongside the U.S.

• The current state of green-fuel technologies: LNG leakage risks, hydrogen supply challenges, ammonia toxicity, and early-stage nuclear options

• Indirect military dimensions: low-emission propulsion for naval stealth and endurance, e.g. the US Virginia class (SSN-774 class) nuclear submarine

• The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its potential ripple effects on high-carbon supply chains

• A parallel from France’s delayed Crit’Air vehicle-emission scheme

The episode also includes clips of an an interview discussion between me and shipping expert Simon Ward, in May 2025, which somewhat predicted US IMO involvement and the result, some 6 months before it happened!

Keywords: US China trade, shipping standoff, IMO blocked, levy blocked 2025, US China shipping, IMO $10B, green levy blocked, carbon tax shipping

I’ll deliver the closing address at ENSM’s conference “When Geopolitics Intrudes on Global Maritime Trade” on 20 November in Le Havre. Join in person or online—details below.

ENSM Conference – 20 November, Le Havre

Contact: international@supmaritime.fr

Sources:

• UNCTAD – 80% of trade by sea

• IMO MEPC 82 – vote details

• Reuters – U.S. diplomatic tactics

• The New York Times – strong-arm reports

• Climate Change News – Saudi incentives

• Yale Climate Connections – cost projections

• U.S. Navy – Virginia-class

• BBC – AUKUS deal

• Global Times (20 Oct 2025) – CSSC statement

• China Briefing – retrofit investments

• Truth Social – Trump quote

• Connexion France – Crit’Air

• European Commission – CBAM

Email: globaltradedeciphered@gmail.com

X: @justinhaydenm

#GlobalTrade #Maritime #Geopolitics #GreenShipping #ENSM

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