Cruise ships to pay for carbon emissions under new global rules

22-04-25

In an unprecedented milestone for the maritime industry, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved a global agreement that will force cruise and cargo ship owners to pay for their carbon emissions. The pact, reached in London in April 2025, establishes a tariff system that penalises greenhouse gas emissions, making shipping the first sector to adopt a global financial mechanism to combat climate change.

From 2027, ships above certain emissions thresholds will have to pay up to $380 per tonne of CO₂ emitted unless they significantly reduce their environmental footprint. The aim is to incentivise the transition to cleaner fuels and sustainable technologies, with the goal of achieving net zero emissions in the sector by 2050.

The agreement, backed by 108 countries representing 97% of the world's merchant fleet, also includes a marine fuel standard that will require a progressive reduction in the carbon intensity of the fuels used. These measures are expected to generate between $11 billion and $13 billion annually, funds that will go into an IMO fund to support innovation in clean technologies and assist developing countries in their energy transition.

However, the implementation of the agreement has not been without controversy. The United States withdrew from the negotiations, citing economic concerns, while countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates initially showed resistance before joining the consensus. On the other hand, Pacific island nations expressed dissatisfaction, calling the agreement insufficient to protect communities most vulnerable to climate change.

Despite the criticism, IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez stressed the importance of the agreement as a significant step towards modernising shipping and combating climate change. ‘The adoption of the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI represents a step forward in our collective efforts to combat climate change and modernise shipping,’ said Domínguez.

At the European level, the European Union has implemented similar regulations through the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which from 2024 applies carbon pricing for maritime voyages between EU countries and partially for international voyages. These measures aim to harmonise global efforts to reduce emissions from the maritime sector, which currently account for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The cruise industry, in particular, faces significant challenges due to its reliance on heavy fuels and its growing popularity. Although some companies are exploring cleaner alternatives, such as the use of biofuels, green methanol or hybrid technologies, limited port infrastructure and high implementation costs are major obstacles.

Environmental organisations have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the agreement, arguing that the tariffs could be seen as just another operating cost, without incentivising real changes in industry practices. However, other experts see this as a crucial step towards stricter regulation and greater environmental responsibility in shipping.

With entry into force scheduled for 2027, the success of these measures will depend on their effective implementation and the continued commitment of member countries to strengthen and adapt regulations as necessary. This agreement sets an important precedent and could serve as a model for other sectors in the global fight against climate change.

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