Fiji, Oct. 22 -- The Cook Islands says the delay in adopting the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Net-Zero Framework could provide valuable time for further discussion and improvements to ensure equity for all nations.

The Second Extraordinary session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2) wrapped up in London after a week of tough negotiations on amendments to MARPOL Annex VI under the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework.

Although the Cook Islands and many other delegations arrived ready to adopt the framework, consensus could not be reached, forcing a 12-month deferral.

"While this outcome was not what the Cook Islands had anticipated, the pause may ultimately be beneficial to facilitate further the f...