Iraq joins the camp rejecting marine emissions amendments
Iraq joins the camp rejecting marine emissions amendments
2026-04-22
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraq has joined a group of oil-producing nations that oppose proposed changes to the International Maritime Organization’s emissions reduction framework, amid escalating disputes over regulating the maritime shipping sector.
According to a report published by S&P Global on Wednesday, Iraq, along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Russia, called for the adoption of an alternative “technologically neutral” framework that does not include centralized carbon pricing, while stressing the need to reach an international consensus that takes into account the different capabilities of countries.
This stance comes at a time when the International Maritime Organization is seeking to implement rules aimed at reducing emissions from the maritime sector and imposing costs on greenhouse gases starting in 2028.
These trends are facing increasing opposition, particularly from the United States, which is calling for the complete abolition of the current framework.
In contrast, other countries support maintaining the rules or making limited modifications, warning that reopening negotiations could delay achieving emissions reduction targets, which include cutting them by up to 30% by 2030.
Shipping experts believe that imposing costs on emissions could accelerate the shift towards cleaner fuels, but at the same time it could raise the cost of maritime transport and affect global trade, especially for countries dependent on energy exports.
This division reflects the continued uncertainty surrounding the future of emissions regulation in the shipping sector, as the outcomes of upcoming meetings of the International Maritime Organization are awaited.
shafaq.com
