Shipping Industry Maintains Green Investments Amid IMO Carbon Price Delay

Global shipping majors are advancing billions in decarbonization investments despite a one-year delay in the IMO’s proposed $380-per-ton carbon levy, according to Reuters analysis and interviews with 15 companies. Newbuilding orders for dual-fuel LNG, methanol and ammonia vessels have outpaced traditional ships, with dual-fuel container and vehicle carrier orders reaching 74% of the orderbook by December 2025. Cumulative investments in dual-fuel vessels totaled over $150 billion, and 1,126 such ships have been delivered or are on order. EU FuelEU Maritime and ETS penalties, along with initiatives in Djibouti, Gabon and proposed UK schemes, are driving the shift. The IMO delay is unlikely to reverse the trajectory, as companies maintain long-term decarbonization commitments and leverage regional incentives to transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels.