Key facts
- The US may support an International Maritime Organization (IMO) net-zero framework (NZF) recognizing LNG and bio-LNG as qualifying fuels.
- Federal Maritime Commission chairman Laura DiBella signaled this potential US position for an upcoming IMO session.
- The US previously opposed the NZF due to concerns over costs and fuel availability.
- DiBella stated that alternative fuels must be affordable, globally available, and scalable.
- She suggested LNG and bio-LNG could realistically supply over 60% of global maritime fuel by 2050.
- The IMO approved an initial NZF in April 2025 but adjourned formal adoption to build consensus.
The United States is signaling a potential shift in its stance on the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) net-zero framework (NZF), indicating a possible willingness to support rules that recognize Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and bio-LNG as qualifying fuels. Federal Maritime Commission chairman Laura DiBella stated that efforts toward emissions reductions must be linked to the demonstrated viability and realistic availability of alternative fuels, rather than rigid implementation dates or limited fuel options.
DiBella's comments suggest Washington might work with a revised NZF, easing market concerns about potential obstruction of the IMO's decarbonization efforts. She emphasized that alternative fuels must meet criteria for affordability, global availability, and scalability, while conventional and transitional fuels should remain in use. The US had previously opposed the NZF in its current form, citing high costs and insufficient availability of certain expensive fuels.
A US submission ahead of the IMO's MEPC 84th session called for an approach without carbon taxes or penalties against existing technologies. DiBella's remarks indicate that LNG and bio-LNG could be central to addressing US concerns, with projections that these fuels could supply over 60% of global maritime fuel by 2050. Bio-LNG, in particular, can utilize existing LNG infrastructure, potentially avoiding significant costs associated with building new supply chains.
The US, as the world's largest natural gas producer and LNG exporter, stands to benefit from policies supporting LNG. US dry gas output has seen significant growth, and LNG exports are projected to increase substantially in the coming years, supported by new liquefaction capacity. The IMO had approved an initial NZF in April 2025, but the formal adoption was adjourned to allow more time for member states to build consensus.