Cook Islands urges equity as IMO delays net-zero shipping framework

The Cook Islands says the delay in adopting the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework could provide valuable time for further discussion and improvements to ensure equity for all nations.

The Second Extraordinary session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2) wrapped up in London after a week of tough negotiations on amendments to MARPOL Annex VI under the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework.

Although the Cook Islands and many other delegations arrived ready to adopt the framework, consensus could not be reached, forcing a 12-month deferral.

“While this outcome was not what the Cook Islands had anticipated, the pause may ultimately be beneficial to facilitate further the framework,” the Cook Islands Government said in a statement.

It noted that the delay reflects how “broader geopolitical dynamics have for some time overshadowed and influenced the technical and environmental focus that should be guiding such an important negotiation.”

As one of only two Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to have approved the legal text in April, the Cook Islands said its path forward is clear — to use the additional time constructively.

“The Cook Islands will use this additional time to reinforce equity safeguards, and carefully design solutions that work for all Parties, especially those most vulnerable to rising costs and shifting fuel markets,” the statement said.

The government reaffirmed that global maritime decarbonisation remains an urgent priority and that it would continue to push for fair and ambitious action.

“Over the years, the Cook Islands has consistently advocated for ambitious climate action that go hand in hand with equity and inclusion,” it said.

“In the coming year, the Cook Islands will continue to advocate strongly for a global regime that reduces emissions from shipping while also offering compensatory mechanisms for the increased costs of freight and protecting the lifelines of remote island nations, such as ours.”

The statement added that despite the temporary setback, “the shipping sector has shown leadership in charting a credible path toward net-zero emissions” and urged other transport sectors to match that ambition.

“The Cook Islands hopes that other transport sectors—responsible for the vast majority of global emissions—will now match this ambition and take decisive steps toward their own decarbonisation pathways,” it said.