The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will hold its 84th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session in London next week. This meeting comes after a significant delay last year regarding the proposed...
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will hold its 84th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session in London next week. This meeting comes after a significant delay last year regarding the proposed Net-Zero Framework for the shipping sector. The agenda for this session will cover important topics like shipping emissions regulations, air pollution controls, and underwater noise management.
While a final decision on the climate package is not expected until later this year, MEPC 84 is considered a crucial moment that could help clarify the possibility of reaching an agreement.
This will be the first MEPC meeting since a vote in October led to a decision to delay adopting the proposed framework by a year. The vote, which ended with a narrow margin of 57 in favor and 49 against, saw 21 countries abstain due to strong pressure from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. This delay has put on hold the establishment of the first global carbon pricing system for the shipping industry.
Negotiators will discuss the topic of greenhouse gas emissions from ships under Agenda Item 7. A total of 57 submissions have been made, highlighting the complexity of the discussions. A working group focused on reducing greenhouse gases is expected to be formed, and delegates may also consider ways to resume the slow-moving talks on the framework.
This week, intersessional talks on greenhouse gases will also take place, working on guidelines that relate to various aspects of the proposed framework, such as lifecycle fuel assessments and terms for the fifth IMO greenhouse gas study.
Supporters believe that MEPC 84 is a chance to bridge the gaps on unresolved issues like carbon pricing, how to distribute revenue, and rules regarding the fuel intensity of greenhouse gases.
Analysts from University College London noted, “MEPC 84 could guide the discussion towards a potential agreement on the Net-Zero Framework.”
However, recent indications show that divisions among countries are still significant. European countries are working to uphold the framework’s emphasis on carbon pricing before the meeting, while Japan and some shipping interests are proposing alternatives. The U.S. remains opposed to these ideas.
Despite these challenges, some officials believe there is potential for progress. Norway’s environment minister, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, stated that the IMO still has a chance to reach a historic deal but may need to explore “different approaches” to avoid a repeat of last year’s breakdown.
Organizations like BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the World Shipping Council have expressed concerns that extended uncertainty could hurt investment as carriers prepare for significant commitments to low- and zero-emission fuels.
In a joint statement, these groups reiterated their collective commitment to the IMO's role as the global regulator for international shipping.
MEPC 84 will also discuss amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, which includes designating the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area for substances like nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter—representing a significant step in expanding emissions regulations.
Additionally, delegates will review changes related to the IMO's fuel consumption data collection, operational carbon intensity reporting, and will work on issues of ballast water management, marine plastic pollution, energy efficiency, air pollution prevention, and underwater noise reduction.
Overall, while much attention will be on resolving the climate package delays, the wide-ranging agenda of MEPC 84 shows it will have far-reaching consequences beyond just the Net-Zero Framework.