“They killed [the agreement]. The lack of leadership from the EU makes my blood boil,” said one person with knowledge of the discussions, also granted anonymity to speak candidly.
However, the move garnered support from major fossil fuels producers, such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, which traditionally push back against climate measures aimed at cutting the use of oil, gas and coal. Major shipping countries and several with large flag registries, including Singapore and Liberia, also objected.
Others shifted positions.
China, the world’s biggest ship builder, switched from supporting the measure in April, to voting to delay it on Friday.
The clash highlighted the differences between countries worried about the measure’s economic impact against those fearing the consequences of global warming.
A Saudi delegate, who could not be named due to the IMO’s restrictions on reporting, accused backers of the carbon price of sowing global division. “We have differences because we are all looking out for our citizens, our futures … and our economies,” he said.
