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The World Shipping Council (WSC) voiced serious concerns regarding the port fee regime announced by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), cautioning that the measures could undermine American trade, hurt U.S. producers, and weaken efforts to strengthen the nation’s maritime industry.&nbsp;“Revitalizing America’s maritime sector is an important and widely shared goal — one that requires a long-term, legislative and industrial strategy. We welcomed the vision outlined in the President’s Executive Order, which proposes targeted initiatives to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding, ports, and supply chain resilience. Unfortunately, the fee regime announced by USTR is a step in the wrong direction as it will raise prices for consumers, weaken U.S. trade and do little to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry,” said Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council.&nbsp;Concerns with the USTR Fee RegimeThe World Shipping Council outlined several key concerns:&nbsp;Retroactive Port Fees: Applying fees to vessels that are already on the water offers no support for U.S. shipbuilding and, instead, risks harming American exporters — particularly farmers — at a time when global trade is facing significant strain. These backward-looking penalties disrupt long-term investment planning, introducing new costs and unpredictability for American businesses and consumers.&nbsp;Fees Calculated on NT: Structuring fees based on ship size — Net Tonnage (NT) — disproportionately penalizes larger, more efficient vessels that deliver essential goods, including components used in U.S. production lines. Nearly half of all liner shipping imports to the U.S. are used directly in domestic production processes. Increasing the cost of these shipments will reverberate through the supply chain, raising production costs for American businesses and, ultimately, for consumers. It will also penalize U.S. ports, who have made significant investments to expand their capacity to attract and handle the largest container ships serving the trade.&nbsp;Fees on car carriers: Additionally, the USTR actions this week included a new and previously unannounced fee based on Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) capacity for almost every vehicle carrier in the world.&nbsp;This arbitrary action, targeting all foreign-built vessels, will further slow U.S. economic growth and raise automobile prices for American consumers, while doing little to encourage U.S maritime investment.&nbsp;Legal and Strategic Concerns: WSC also flagged significant legal concerns, noting that the proposed fees appear to extend beyond the authority granted under U.S. trade law.The WSC is urging the Administration to reconsider this counterproductive measure, which risks harming U.S. consumers, manufacturers, and farmers without delivering meaningful progress toward revitalizing the U.S. maritime industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;A Call for Constructive SolutionsThe World Shipping Council reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Administration and industry stakeholders on solutions that can truly strengthen the U.S. maritime sector. Constructive pathways — such as targeted investment incentives, infrastructure improvements, and streamlined regulatory processes — can deliver lasting benefits without disrupting U.S. trade or raising costs for American producers and consumers.&nbsp;It is also important to recognize that the U.S. shipbuilding sector already faces significant constraints, including a backlog of military orders and ongoing labor shortages. Similarly, a shortage of trained and certified U.S. mariners limits the potential to expand U.S.-flag shipping, even if the regulatory environment was improved.&nbsp;WSC members are proud to be integral contributors to the U.S. economy and maritime community. Liner shipping moves 65% of U.S. seaborne trade, contributes more than $2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, and supports 6.4 million American jobs paying more than $420 billion in wages. WSC members also represent 75% of the vessels enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program and bring significant shipbuilding experience and expertise to the U.S. maritime sector.&nbsp;“The World Shipping Council remains fully committed to supporting U.S. efforts to revitalize the American maritime industry,” Kramek concluded. “We urge policymakers to pursue strategies that encourage growth, strengthen supply chain resilience, and avoid actions that risk harming American exporters, producers, and consumers at a time when global trade is already under pressure.”

World Shipping Council Urges Constructive Solutions Following USTR Port Fee Announcement

The World Shipping Council (WSC) voiced serious concerns regarding the port fee regime announced by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), cautioning that the measures could undermine American trade, hurt U.S. producers, and weaken efforts to strengthen the nation’s maritime industry.

Landmark changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) mean seafarers are officially recognized as ‘key workers’ by the International Labour Organization (ILO).&nbsp;&nbsp;The Seafarers’ Group at the ILO led by International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) affiliates has won a raft of significant changes to seafarers’ rights in Geneva this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seafarers are now referenced as ‘key workers’, marking a major step forward in seafarers’ rights and coming after a week of intense negotiations between the ILO, governments, shipowners and seafarers.&nbsp;&nbsp;This new status, backed by a resolution calling for its early recognition, seeks to ensure that seafarers receive better protection, easier access to medical care and travel, and stronger support at all times.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ITF has advocated for seafarers to be recognized as key workers since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seafarers’ Group spokesperson and ITF Seafarers’ Section Vice Chair, Mark Dickinson, said: “For the first time in any ILO instrument we have a reference in the Code to seafarers as key workers. How seafarers were treated during Covid-19 has not been forgotten, and we have made sure, as best we can, that it won’t be repeated.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’ve also secured strong commitments from governments on the treatment of seafarers on shore leave, repatriation and access to medical care.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Among 16 proposed changes tabled by governments, shipowners and the Seafarers’ Group at the ILO Special Tripartite Committee (STC), the key focus was on enhancing support for seafarers' wellbeing, including clearer regulations for shore leave and better health protocols onboard ships.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crucially, commitments on preventing and eliminating violence and harassment have been strengthened via new MLC provisions that will seek to eradicate unacceptable behavior.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dickinson explained the changes won on hours of work and rest – which will now be discussed jointly at the ILO-International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tripartite Working Group after a resolution endorsing this passed – and the criminalization of seafarers.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We also secured a commitment to further action on hours of work and rest, and we anticipate that future discussions will address the lack of enforcement of the existing regulations and exemptions – but also, in cooperation with the IMO, review the current rest and work hour limits to reduce fatigue,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers are now referenced in a mandatory standard in the Code obliging governments to take due account of the guidance covering maritime accidents and alleged crimes.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is really significant in our continued fight against the unjust treatment and criminalization of seafarers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;At the end of the week, five further resolutions were also put forward. These included plans to extend the mandate of the ILO-IMO joint tripartite working group to continue work on ‘human element’ issues such as seafarer abandonment and fatigue.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The maritime industry faces skills, recruitment and retention crises – and seafarers will not join a fragmented industry where abuses go unchecked and where fatigue and criminalization are rife,” said ITF Seafarers’ Section Coordinator, Fabrizio Barcellona.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Seafarers must be guaranteed fulfilling careers in which all their rights are protected and respected – and this week we’ve taken another important step towards that future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Source: ITF&nbsp;

Seafarers officially recognized as ‘key workers’ after successful Geneva negotiations

Landmark changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) mean seafarers are officially recognized as ‘key workers’ by the International Labour Organization (ILO). 



The Seafarers’ Group at the ILO led by International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) affiliates has won a raft of significant changes to seafarers’ rights in Geneva this week. 



Seafarers are now referenced as ‘key workers’, marking a major step forward in seafarers’ rights and coming after a week of intense negotiations between the ILO, governments, shipowners and seafarers. 



This new status, backed by a resolution calling for its early recognition, seeks to ensure that seafarers receive better protection, easier access to medical care and travel, and stronger support at all times. 

The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) has issued an official statement expressing concern over the recent approval of the IMO Net Zero Framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.&nbsp;UGS stated that there are serious concerns about the feasibility of the targets set, especially since this agreement was passed by a narrow majority of 63 member-states, with several countries expressing reservations.&nbsp;In this context, UGS President Ms. Melina Travlos stated: “We welcome, among other, the recognition of the “polluter pays” principle and the transfer of the compliance costs to the commercial operator of the ship.&nbsp;However, the fact that the agreement does not acknowledge the vital role of transitional fuels, such as LNG, and treats them in an unfair way, undermines pertinent investments and the industry’s efforts to decarbonize.&nbsp;Despite these challenges, Greek shipping remains fully committed to being at the forefront in the industry’s transition to decarbonization, through viable, fit-for-purpose, but realistic global solutions.” &nbsp;

Greek shipowners express concern on IMO Net-Zero Framework

The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) has issued an official statement expressing concern over the recent approval of the IMO Net Zero Framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.



UGS stated that there are serious concerns about the feasibility of the targets set, especially since this agreement was passed by a narrow majority of 63 member-states, with several countries expressing reservations.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has achieved another step towards establishing a legally binding framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships globally, aiming for net-zero emissions by or around, i.e close to 2050. &nbsp;The IMO Net-zero Framework is the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MEPC 83) from 7–11 April 2025, the measures include a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These measures, set to be formally adopted in October 2025&nbsp;before entry into force in 2027, will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of the total CO2&nbsp;emissions from international shipping. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/SecretaryGeneral/Pages/MEPC-83-Closing-remarks.aspx">Closing the meeting</a>, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez commended the spirit of cooperation and commitment demonstrated by Member States this week. He stated:&nbsp;&nbsp;“The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now, it is important to continue working together, engaging in dialogue and listening to one another, if we are to create the conditions for successful adoption.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Key elements of the IMO Net-Zero Framework&nbsp;The IMO Net-Zero Framework will be included in a new Chapter 5 of Annex VI (Prevention of air pollution from ships) to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (<a href="https://www.imo.org/en/about/Conventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Prevention-of-Pollution-from-Ships-%28MARPOL%29.aspx">MARPOL</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARPOL Annex VI currently has 108 Parties, covering 97% of the world’s merchant shipping fleet by tonnage, and already includes mandatory&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/EEXI-CII-FAQ.aspx">energy efficiency requirements</a>&nbsp;for ships.&nbsp;&nbsp;The goal is to achieve the climate targets set out in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/2023-IMO-Strategy-on-Reduction-of-GHG-Emissions-from-Ships.aspx">2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships</a>, accelerate the introduction&nbsp;of zero and near zero GHG fuels, technologies and energy sources, and support a just and equitable transition. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the draft regulations, ships will be required to comply with:&nbsp;<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Global fuel standard: Ships must reduce, over time, their annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI) – that is, how much GHG is emitted for each unit of energy used. This is calculated using a well-to-wake approach. &nbsp;</li><li>Global economic measure: Ships emitting above GFI thresholds will have to acquire remedial units to balance its deficit emissions, while those using zero or near-zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial rewards. &nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;Ensuring compliance&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be two levels of compliance with GHG Fuel Intensity targets: a Base Target and a Direct Compliance Target at which ships would be eligible to earn “surplus units”. &nbsp;&nbsp;Ships that emit above the set thresholds can balance their emissions deficit by:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Transferring surplus units from other ships; &nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Using surplus units they have already banked;&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Using remedial units acquired through contributions to the IMO Net-Zero Fund. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;IMO Net-Zero Fund&nbsp;The IMO Zet-Zero Fund will be established to collect pricing contributions from emissions. These revenues will then be disbursed to: &nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Reward low-emission ships; &nbsp;</li><li>Support innovation, research, infrastructure and just transition initiatives in developing countries;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Fund training, technology transfer and capacity building to support the IMO GHG Strategy; and&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Mitigate negative impacts on vulnerable States, such as Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;Next steps&nbsp;Upon approval, the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI will be formally circulated to IMO Member States, followed by:&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>October 2025 (MEPC/ES.2): Adoption of the amendments during an extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee.  &nbsp;</li><li>Spring 2026 (MEPC 84): Approval of detailed implementation guidelines. &nbsp;</li><li>2027: Expected entry into force, 16 months after adoption (in accordance with MARPOL articles). &nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;Other MEPC 83 outcomes&nbsp;The meeting discussed a range of issues related to protecting the marine environment from shipping activities, with the following key outcomes:&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Adoption of 2025 Action Plan to combat marine plastic litter; &nbsp;</li><li>Progress in the review of the Ballast Water Management Convention;&nbsp;</li><li>Approval of a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area and agreement in principle to designate two new Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas off South America’s Pacific coast;&nbsp;</li><li>Approval of the draft Work plan on the development of a regulatory framework for the use of Onboard Carbon Capture Storage systems (OCCS)&nbsp;</li><li>Approval of draft amendments to regulation 27 of MARPOL Annex VI regarding accessibility of the IMO Data Collection System&nbsp;</li><li>Adoption of amendments to the 2021 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity reduction factors relative to reference lines (CII reduction factors guidelines, G3)&nbsp;</li><li>Approval of a new output to develop a legally binding framework on biofouling management, to prevent the spread of harmful invasive aquatic species&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;A full meeting summary will be provided soon.&nbsp;

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