World Maritime News
WMNF 23/07/2025
IMO must reward ZNZ fuels and avoid double tax ICS argues
Draft IMO regulations suggest ships may be rewarded for using zero or near-zero carbon (ZNZ) fuels, but shipowners argue this should be guaranteed. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) urges the IMO to approve its Net Zero Framework (NZF) and integrate the EU ETS to avoid double taxation. ICS believes that early tax revenues will be sufficient to fund rewards, given the limited ZNZ fuel availability between 2029 and 2033. Uncertainty over rewards is delaying new ship orders and aging the fleet. ICS also highlights delays in defining well-to-wake GHG conversion factors and concerns from smaller shipping firms about regulatory complexity and compliance costs.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Red Sea traffic remains unchanged by resurgent Houthi attacks
Despite renewed Houthi attacks, vessel traffic through the Bab el Mandeb remains at normal levels, with 244 transits last week (7-13 July), up from 232 the previous week (30 June-6 July). Historically, such attacks have not significantly disrupted shipping volumes. However, recent attacks may delay plans by major operators who had begun cautiously returning to the Red Sea since January. Analysts suggest that the Houthis timed their attacks to maximize disruption, just as companies were preparing to resume transit. Still, operators who continued using the route throughout the crisis are unlikely to change course.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
USTR urged to kill proposed rules on vehicle carriers and LNG shipping
The U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposed port fees on foreign-built vehicle carriers and LNG shipping rules have drawn intense criticism from industry groups and exporters. Vehicle carrier fees, though reduced in June, remain high enough to prompt operators to reduce U.S. port calls and shift to smaller vessels, potentially harming supply chains and export capacity. LNG shipping rules would require a portion of U.S. exports to be carried on U.S.-built ships, which critics argue misaligns with the intent of Section 301 to counter unfair Chinese shipbuilding practices. These measures could unintentionally benefit Chinese shipyards and harm U.S. exporters, such as Caterpillar, which rely on large vessels for transporting oversized cargo.
Read more: Lloyd’s List