Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will abstain from voting on the International Maritime Organization’s proposal for a global net-zero emissions target for large ships.
Speaking to state media, Mr Browne said that while his government supports carbon neutrality, the current plan could drive up shipping costs and raise the cost of living for citizens.
“Like the United States, we think there should be a deferral,” he said. “We will not vote against it because we remain strong climate advocates, but this proposal could significantly increase living costs.”
Mr Browne stressed that the decision was based on national interest rather than external influence. “The pace and structure of implementation must not disproportionately harm small island economies,” he added.
The IMO’s proposed Net-Zero Framework, endorsed in April, aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from ships over 5,000 gross tonnes to net zero by around 2050. It includes mandatory emissions caps and a global carbon pricing system.
Formal adoption is expected later this month, with implementation set for 2027. If approved, shipping would become the first global industry subject to binding emissions limits and carbon pricing.
