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IMO NZF Would Send Stable Demand Signal for Zero-Emission Fuels

A new UCL Shipping and Oceans Research Group report evaluates three IMO Net Zero Framework (NZF) scenarios and finds that only the framework "as‑is" delivers a credible, stable demand signal for scalable zero‑emission fuels. The analysis warns that removing the economic component or adopting a single‑tier global fuel standard would weaken incentives, increase investment risk, and delay fuel availability into the 2040s. While the current NZF may raise costs for lower‑income countries, the alternative versions would exacerbate those impacts and risk regulatory fragmentation. An IMO committee has already postponed a vote on the NZF for twelve months, highlighting political deadlock.