The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded its 84th session last week with a commitment to rebuild consensus on global shipping emissions. At the same time, the organisation sounded the alarm over environmental risks in the Strait of Hormuz and adopted a new ECA in the Northeast Atlantic.
Closing the meeting, held from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: ‘We are back on track, but we have to rebuild trust. I encourage you to maintain this momentum through your intersessional work and to prepare submissions that can bring the membership together.’
The Committee will resume its Second Extraordinary Session on Friday 4 December 2026, subject to confirmation by the 85th session (MEPC 85) scheduled to convene 30 November to 3 December.
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IMO Net Zero Framework
Nearly 100 delegations took the floor this week to voice their views on the adoption of “mid-term measures” to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships – known as the IMO Net-Zero Framework – with multiple proposals tabled on how to take forward negotiations.
The Committee agreed to establish an intersessional Working Group to resolve various concerns and drive broader convergence on a global measure ahead of MEPC 85 in six months. Member states will be able to submit new amendments and adjustments to the draft amendments previously approved.
Two inter-sessional meetings will be scheduled (1 to 4 September and 23 to 27 November) ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November to 3 December), as well as a one-day expert workshop on “chain of custody” models, which track fuel origin and movement of fuels across the supply chain, ensuring emissions are properly traced and verified.
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Constructive dialogue welcomed
Several organisations were happy with the outcome of the MEPC meeting, however, they recognise that a lot of work is still needed to get everyone on board.
Thomas A Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), for example, said: ‘The constructive dialogue that has taken place this week is hugely welcome, although it is clear that many member states are still unable to adopt a global regulatory framework unless further adjustments are made.’
‘The shipping industry is fully committed to achieving the ambitions of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy and has already delivered substantial GHG emissions reductions,’ added Kazakos. ‘It is vital that governments move towards adoption of a comprehensive fit-for-purpose global framework as soon as possible to enable the industry to further accelerate its rapid transition to alternative energy sources.’
‘These are complex and, at times, difficult discussions,’ said World Shipping Council (WSC) President & CEO Joe Kramek. ‘But continued engagement from governments is essential to keep progress moving.’ WSC was also part of an industry statement which calls for an ambitious and enforceable global approach. ‘Without it, we risk a more costly and inefficient patchwork of regional regulations.’
Felix Klann, Shipping Policy Officer at T&E stated: ‘It’s a relief that the Net Zero Framework survived, but the IMO can’t let delays become the new normal. Now is not the time for setting up compromises that water down the deal or kicking the can down the road.’
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Strait of Hormuz and the marine environment
The Committee adopted a resolution condemning the attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz region and the related risks of marine pollution. The Committee recognised the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters, warning that these attacks could cause large-scale marine pollution such as oil, hazardous and noxious substances and hazardous residues arising from missiles, drones, fires and explosions.
The Committee requested Secretary-General to monitor environmental impacts and report to the next IMO Council session.
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New Emissions Control Area for the North-East Atlantic
The Committee adopted a new Emission Control Area (ECA) in the North-East Atlantic, introducing stricter emission limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). The entry into force date is set for 1 September 2027, with the ECA taking effect twelve months later in 2028. Within ECAs, ships must use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10 per cent.
The ECA covers the exclusive economic zones and territorial seas, extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines of Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Ireland, the mainlands of the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal.
Other decisions
The IMO’s MEPC has also adopted a 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to tackle marine plastic litter from ships, reaffirming its goal of zero plastic discharge by 2030. The plan focuses on better port waste facilities, stronger enforcement, training, awareness and international cooperation, replacing earlier strategies.
The Committee also agreed to develop a mandatory code for transporting plastic pellets by sea, and approved measures such as fishing gear marking. Ballast water rules were updated to better protect marine ecosystems.
Work continues on reducing underwater noise from ships, including extending research efforts and launching a new study as an evidence base for possible future measures. In addition, new regulatory work will address ozone-depleting substances and maritime autonomous vessels.
Other key decisions include launching a new IMO greenhouse gas study, updating emissions guidelines, progressing rules on alternative fuels, and moving towards a binding global framework to manage ship biofouling and prevent invasive species.
Photo by IMO.
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