9th August 2025 – 15th August 2025
LOCAL NEWS
No news reported.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. IMO net-zero plans ‘in danger’ after Trump’s retaliation threats
On Tuesday, 12th August 2025, the U.S. rejected the "Net-Zero Framework" proposal by the International Maritime Organization, which is aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions from the international shipping sector, and threatened measures against countries that support it. In comments were made via the US Department of Energy’s website, US President Donald Trump has once again slammed the International Maritime Organization’s net-zero framework, calling it a “global carbon tax on Americans levied by an unaccountable UN organisation”.
Rising costs are Trump’s main concern. Under the framework, he said “ships will have to pay fees for failing to meet unattainable fuel standards and emissions targets”. He also threatened retaliatory measures against those who support the framework. Mr. Trump said: “Our fellow IMO members should be on notice that we will look for their support against this action and not hesitate to retaliate or explore remedies for our citizens should this endeavour fail.
“The Trump administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers, or tourists”. Trump also said the fuel standards conveniently benefit China by “requiring the use of expensive fuels unavailable at the global scale”.
US President’s threat of retaliation against countries following IMO path to net zero could put the whole framework at risk of collapse, according to Dutch lender ING.
Rico Luman, the bank’s senior economist for transport & logistics, said the latest statement coming out of Washington reiterating opposition to decarbonisation targets could have consequences at a key adoption vote in October.
If the Americans do not accept the regime, “this will complicate the whole system”.
“This could also make other countries doubt, because they fear the consequences, as the US could retaliate. This puts the final adoption in danger,” Luman said.
Related Articles:
Reuters 12/08 - US to retaliate against IMO members that back net zero emissions plan
Seanews 13/08 - U.S. Rejects IMO Net-Zero Shipping Plan, Threatens Action Against Supporters
CNA 12/08 - US rejects UN shipping net-zero plan, warns of retaliation against supporters
Attachment 1: Tradewinds - Trump repeats threat of retaliation against countries supporting IMO’s net-zero drive
Attachment 2: Tradewinds - IMO net-zero plans ‘in danger’ after Trump’s threats
SeaTradeMaritime 13/08 - Trump Administration threatens backers of IMO net zero proposals
Safety4Sea 13/08 - US opposes IMO Net-Zero Framework and threatens retaliation
2. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 3: US Treasury Report for week 09/08/2025 – 15/08/2025
3. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 4: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 16/07/2025 – 13/08/2025
Nothing important to report from Local News, the IMO, ILO, ECSA and the House of Representatives.