Liberia has presented an alternative approach to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, emphasizing the need for an equitable transition to net-zero emissions in the global shipping industry. The proposal was presented during a high-level engagement with United Nations Member States in New York on September 23. Liberia's government stresses that the transition must not impose disproportionate economic burdens on developing countries. As a major flag state and a climate-vulnerable developing country, Liberia is pushing for a pragmatic and realistic approach to decarbonization.
Liberia's proposal seeks to advance the IMO's climate objectives while minimizing economic disruption. The approach emphasizes commercially viable alternative fuels, operational and technological efficiencies, infrastructure development, and capacity-building measures. Liberia also advocates for predictable, transparent, and equitable support mechanisms for developing countries. The government rejects any arrangement that would require developing countries to absorb significant economic and trade costs upfront.
The stakes are high for Liberia, which runs the world's largest ship registry. The country's position recognizes the urgency of addressing climate change and supports the maritime sector's responsibility to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Liberia's government maintains that there is no contradiction between ambitious climate action and protecting developing-country economies. The country is pushing for a transition that is fair, practical, realistic, and equitable.
Liberia cautions that significant increases in maritime transportation costs could have far-reaching consequences, affecting food security, energy security, inflation, trade competitiveness, and sustainable development. The country stresses the importance of country-specific economic impact assessments, as developing countries differ in their economic structures, trade profiles, and technological capabilities. A comprehensive global assessment is not enough, Liberia argues, and should be complemented by assessments that capture individual countries' circumstances and vulnerabilities.
Environmental groups and Pacific island states have expressed concerns that Liberia's proposal would weaken climate ambition. However, Liberia's government insists that its approach would advance the IMO's climate objectives while reducing economic disruption. The proposal has drawn backing from the Union of Greek Shipowners and several other stakeholders. Liberia's position emphasizes the need for evidence-based policymaking before implementing measures with significant economic consequences.
Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and the meaningful participation of all IMO Member States. The government maintains that the IMO's legitimacy and effectiveness depend on the confidence of all its Member States, developed and developing. Liberia continues to advocate for a Net-Zero Framework that is ambitious in its environmental objectives while being fair, practical, affordable, and equitable in its implementation.
The debate over the IMO's Net-Zero Framework is set to intensify, with a decisive session due in November. Liberia's proposal builds on a submission it co-sponsored with Argentina and Panama at the 84th session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee in April 2026. The country's government stands ready to work constructively with IMO Member States and other stakeholders toward a framework that reflects the shared responsibility to address climate change.
Key points
- Liberia presents alternative approach to IMO's Net-Zero Framework, emphasizing equitable transition to net-zero emissions.
- Proposal seeks to advance climate objectives while minimizing economic disruption in developing countries.
- Liberia pushes for evidence-based policymaking and country-specific economic impact assessments.
