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International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said discussions on global shipping emissions are “back on track”
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This, after the recent conclusion of the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s 84th Session in London
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Central to discussions was the IMO Net-Zero Framework, with nearly 100 delegations presenting proposals on mid-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships
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To advance negotiations, the Committee established an intersessional Working Group and scheduled two meetings in September and November, alongside a technical workshop on “chain of custody” models to ensure accurate emissions tracking
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) concluded its 84th session in London (27 April–1 May 2026) with renewed momentum toward consensus on global shipping emissions. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in a statement emphasized the need to rebuild trust, urging members to sustain progress through intersessional work ahead of MEPC 85 in November.
READ: IMO approves net-zero rules for shipping
Central to discussions was the IMO Net-Zero Framework, with nearly 100 delegations presenting proposals on mid-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. To advance negotiations, the Committee established an intersessional Working Group and scheduled two meetings in September and November, alongside a technical workshop on “chain of custody” models to ensure accurate emissions tracking.
Beyond climate measures, the Committee adopted a resolution condemning attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe pollution risks from oil and hazardous substances. The Secretary-General was tasked to monitor impacts and report to the IMO Council.
Significant progress was also made on air quality. A new Emission Control Area (ECA) was designated in the North-East Atlantic, covering waters around Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, and Portugal. Effective in 2028, the ECA will impose stricter limits on sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, reducing health risks and environmental damage.
The Committee further adopted the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan on marine plastic litter, reaffirming the goal of zero plastic discharges by 2030, and agreed to develop a mandatory code for transporting plastic pellets. Amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention, measures on fishing gear marking, and steps to address underwater radiated noise were also advanced.
Additional outputs include prohibiting ozone-depleting substances on ships, addressing autonomous vessels, and supporting implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (High Seas Treaty). Collectively, these decisions underscore IMO’s commitment to tackling emissions, pollution, and biodiversity threats while steering global shipping toward sustainability.
