The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has resumed its efforts to reach a consensus on global shipping emissions following its 84th session in London. Held from April 27 to May 1, 2026, the meeting highlighted environmental threats in the Strait of Hormuz and introduced new measures aimed at reducing air pollution in the Northeast Atlantic. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need to rebuild trust and maintain momentum as the committee prepares for its upcoming sessions.
During the session, nearly 100 delegations discussed the “IMO Net-Zero Framework,” which aims to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships. A decision was made to establish an intersessional Working Group to facilitate broader agreement on emissions-related measures before the next MEPC session, scheduled for December 2026. Two intersessional meetings will take place to refine proposals, alongside an expert workshop focusing on the tracking of fuel movements.
The committee also approved a new Emission Control Area (ECA) for the Northeast Atlantic, set to enforce stricter limits on nitrogen and sulfur oxides starting September 2027. Furthermore, a strategic action plan was adopted to eliminate marine plastic litter from ships by 2030, alongside efforts to manage ballast water and conduct studies on underwater noise emissions, creating a comprehensive approach to maritime environmental protection.
