Published Apr 29, 2026 by Seatrade-Maritime

A debate at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that could fundamentally alter the maritime industry has begun with Mexico dismissing alternative proposals to the Net Zero Framework (NZF) and claiming that the regulation was the “only viable path forward”.

The Mexican delegation reaffirmed the NZF’s three core objectives, alignment with the Paris Agreement, delivery of the IMO 2023 Strategy targets, and a fair and equitable transition for all member states.

Mexico argued that any delay or retreat would constitute a failure of multilateral obligations.

In closing the Mexican representative confirmed the country’s commitment to the founding spirit of the United Nations: multilateral solutions to global problems.

In its joint submission, with the Solomon Islands, to MEPC84 in February, Mexico highlighted the already agreed measures in from MEPC80: “The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy states that the midterm GHG reduction measures should effectively promote the energy transition of shipping and provide the world fleet a needed incentive while contributing to a level playing field and a just and equitable transition”.

Mexico and the Solomon Islands further said that the adoption of the 2023 Strategy was not an end in itself, “but rather as a living measure once adopted,” which would be reviewed once adopted to monitor its impacts.