The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has concluded its 84th session, marking a pivotal step in the global maritime industry’s transition to decarbonization and the enhancement of ocean health.
The session focused on rebuilding international consensus for the IMO Net-Zero Framework, addressing urgent environmental risks in the Strait of Hormuz, and establishing a massive new Emission Control Area (ECA) in the North-East Atlantic.
A primary focus of the session was the “mid-term measures” required to meet the IMO’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. Nearly 100 delegations contributed to the debate, resulting in the establishment of an intersessional Working Group to resolve divergent views on the Net-Zero Framework ahead of MEPC 85 in late 2026.
“We are back on track, but we have to rebuild trust,” stated IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in his closing remarks. “I encourage you to maintain this momentum… and to prepare submissions that can bring the membership together.”
To maintain progress, two intersessional meetings and an expert workshop on “chain of custody” models for fuel tracking are scheduled for later this year.
The Committee moved swiftly to address two major regional environmental concerns:
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Strait of Hormuz: MEPC adopted a resolution condemning attacks on commercial shipping in the region, warning of catastrophic risks from oil spills and hazardous residues caused by missiles, drones, and explosions. The Secretary-General has been tasked with monitoring and reporting on these impacts.
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North-East Atlantic ECA: A major new Emission Control Area was adopted covering the waters of Greenland, Iceland, the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Faroes. Effective in 2028, ships in this area must use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10%, a move expected to significantly reduce incidences of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in coastal populations.
The IMO reaffirmed its commitment to zero plastic waste discharges from ships by 2030 through the adoption of the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan. Key initiatives include:
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Plastic Pellets: Development of a mandatory code for the maritime transport of plastic pellets in freight containers.
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Marine Litter: Improved port reception facilities and enhanced training for seafarers.
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Fishing Gear: Implementation of gear marking systems to reduce “ghost fishing” and debris.
Furthermore, the Committee approved significant amendments to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention to close regulatory gaps and prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species more effectively.
The Committee also initiated work on the Fifth IMO GHG Study, extended the experience-building phase for reducing underwater radiated noise (URN) until 2028, and began exploring regulations for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
The MEPC will reconvene for its 85th session from November 30 to December 3, 2026, followed immediately by the resumption of the Second Extraordinary Session on December 4 to finalize the mid-term measures of the Net-Zero Framework.
