Subscribe now

Analysis and Environment

Does the shipping industry's plan for net zero add up?

New global rules will see a carbon levy applied to emissions from shipping for the first time, but analysts say the package falls short of what is needed

By Madeleine Cuff

17 April 2025

Shipping accounts for 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions

Suphanat Khumsap/Getty Images

Excess emissions from international shipping will be subject to a hefty carbon charge under a new plan to decarbonise the sector agreed earlier this month.

The agreement is a “momentous outcome” that sets the framework for the shipping industry to deliver on its promise to reach net zero emissions, says Nishatabbas Rehmatulla at University College London.

“We’ve got here something that is unprecedented, a global carbon price for a sector,” he…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop