After more than a decade of talks, the IMO has agreed on the world’s first legally binding Net-Zero Framework for shipping which introduces a global fuel standard and a pricing mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions. The framework marks progress but it still falls short in ambition for many small island states and environmental groups, warning that the measures may not be enough to meet global climate goals. Despite criticism, the agreement marks a meaningful step towards a cleaner maritime future and can be considered a rare example of multilateral climate cooperation.