The agreement, set to take effect in 2028 pending ratification, seeks to promote the transition to cleaner fuels for the shipping sector. The negotiations proceeded successfully despite the United States departing the discourse earlier this week, indicating a remarkable level of international collaboration on climate action. According to Faig Abbasov, a representative from Transport and Environment, the policy aims to promote decarbonization across the maritime industry.

The rules apply universally to all ships regardless of registration, including U.S.-flagged vessels, although Washington's future engagement with the new fee structure remains uncertain.