Antigua and Barbuda to Abstain from IMO Net-Zero Vote, Citing Cost-of-Living Concerns

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda intends to abstain from voting on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) upcoming proposal for a global net-zero emissions target for large ships.

Speaking to state media, Browne explained that while the government supports the overall goal of achieving carbon neutrality, the current proposal could impose steep costs that would ultimately raise the cost of living for ordinary citizens.

“Like the United States, we are equally concerned about this transition,” Browne said. “We think that there should be a deferral, and if there is no deferral, then we will clearly abstain. We will not vote against it, because at the end of the day, we remain one of the most strident climate advocates. But this particular initiative could result in significant shipping costs, which in turn would increase the cost of living and it’s from that standpoint that we are likely to abstain.”

The prime minister emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda’s position is based on national interest, not external pressure.
“We certainly cannot support the initiative at this time,” he stated, underscoring that the decision reflects the country’s independent, sovereign judgment.

Browne also noted that while Antigua and Barbuda remains a leading voice in global climate advocacy, practical realities must be considered. “We are committed to the net-zero transition,” he said, “but the pace and structure of implementation must not disproportionately harm small island economies.”

According to the IMO, the proposed Net-Zero Framework represents a major step toward a legally binding global system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, targeting net-zero emissions by or around 2050.

The plan, approved during the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s 83rd session in April 2025, introduces mandatory emissions caps and a global carbon pricing mechanism for ships over 5,000 gross tonnage vessels responsible for roughly 85 percent of global maritime CO₂ emissions.

Formal adoption of the IMO measures is expected later this month, with implementation slated for 2027.
If approved, the framework would make the shipping sector the first global industry subject to both mandatory emissions limits and carbon pricing.