- MEPC 83 Opens with Push for Binding Climate Rules.
- Draft Net-Zero Framework in Focus at IMO Climate Talks.
- IMO Moves Closer to Climate Deal Covering 97% of Global Fleet.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has kicked off a defining round of negotiations to complete binding rules that will guide the world’s shipping toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions within the next 25 years. At the beginning of the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) on Monday, 7 April, in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez praised the advances made on the draft IMO Net-Zero Framework, which seeks to accelerate maritime climate action, reports IMO.
Main Proposals: Reduction in Emissions, Price Mechanism, and Net-Zero Fund
The framework proposed involves:
- Imposing mandatory cuts in ships’ greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel intensity
- Global emissions pricing mechanism
- The establishment of an IMO Net-Zero Fund
The new fund will facilitate the uptake of zero and near-zero emission fuels and technologies, while helping developing countries to achieve a just and equitable energy transition. These measures will be included in Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, which regulates ship air pollution and already accounts for 97% of the world’s merchant fleet by tonnage.
A Global Milestone in the Making
“I have no doubt you will achieve the necessary compromise so that, by the end of the week, we can take another significant step forward in delivering the goals of the IMO GHG Strategy,” said Secretary-General Dominguez, addressing over 1,200 international delegates.
He acknowledged Member States’ efforts to bridge differences but emphasized that “The work is not yet done. But we are nearly there – and I am sure in the coming days we will reach that point. What we do here will have a global impact on an industry that continues to demonstrate its essential role in the world.”
Next Steps: Legal Text and Adoption Schedule
Negotiations are set to continue until Friday, 11 April, with delegates due to finalize and adopt a draft legal text by the close of the session. Following the necessary legal procedure for amending the MARPOL treaty, the draft will be sent out for adoption at an extraordinary session of the Committee in October 2025.
Plastic Litter and Other Environmental Priorities Decisions
On Monday, MEPC 83 also adopted and approved several significant measures on marine pollution and environmental protection:
- Adopted a new 2025 Action Plan against marine plastic litter from ships
- Approved interim guidance on carriage of biofuel blends and MARPOL Annex I cargoes in
- conventional bunker ships
- Approved guidelines on in-water cleaning of ship’s biofouling
- Adopted amendments to the 2023 Guidelines for developing the Inventory of Hazardous Materials
During the week, the Committee will keep dealing with other environmental issues including:
- The designation of new Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) and Emissions Control Areas (ECAs)
- Review of the Ballast Water Management Convention on an ongoing basis
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Source: IMO
