During the opening of the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84), IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urged Member States to collaborate on the IMO Net-Zero Framework aimed at reducing global shipping emissions. He emphasized the importance of effective multilateralism in addressing climate change and highlighted the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, where seafarers face significant risks and psychological strain due to geopolitical tensions.
Dominguez reiterated the need for dialogue and diplomacy to ensure the safety of navigation and seafarers, stressing that shipping should not be impacted by geopolitical conflicts. He expressed optimism about the Committee’s potential to reach a consensus on greenhouse gas reduction measures and acknowledged the progress made on guidelines for greenhouse gas fuel intensity.
Additionally, the session will focus on critical issues such as ballast water management, marine plastic litter, and the adoption of a new strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships. Dominguez called for constructive discussions among delegates, urging them to move forward collaboratively while recognizing the tangible results already achieved in reducing carbon intensity in international shipping. He concluded by expressing confidence in the Committee’s ability to meet its objectives.
