The 2nd Extraordinary Session of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2) concluded in London on Friday, 17 October 2025, after a critical week of negotiations aimed at adopting amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, under the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework to decarbonise international shipping.
Although the Cook Islands and many other delegations came prepared to adopt the Net-Zero Framework, consensus could not be reached, and adoption has now been deferred by 12 months. While this outcome was not what the Cook Islands had anticipated, the pause may ultimately be beneficial to facilitate further the framework.
The deferral also reflects how broader geopolitical dynamics have for some time overshadowed and influenced the technical and environmental focus that should be guiding such an important negotiation. For the Cook Islands, one of only two Pacific SIDS to approve the legal text back in April 2025—the path forward is clear: use this additional time constructively to reinforce equity safeguards, and carefully design solutions that work for all Parties , especially those most vulnerable to rising costs and shifting fuel markets.
Over the years, the Cook Islands has consistently advocated for ambitious climate action that go hand in hand with equity and inclusion. In the coming year, the Cook Islands will continue to advocate strongly for a global regime that reduces emissions from shipping while also offering compensatory mechanisms for the increased costs of freight and protecting the lifelines of remote island nations, such as ours.
Global maritime decarbonisation remains an urgent priority, and the Cook Islands reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively within the IMO to deliver a just and effective Net-Zero Framework. The shipping sector has shown leadership in charting a credible path toward net-zero emissions, and despite this temporary setback, it will continue to drive innovation and global progress. The Cook Islands hopes that other transport sectors—responsible for the vast majority of global emissions—will now match this ambition and take decisive steps toward their own decarbonisation pathways.
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