The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is set to convene its 2nd extraordinary session (MEPC/ES.2) from 14 to 17 October 2025 at IMO Headquarters in London, with remote participation available.
Chaired by Dr. Harry Conway (Liberia) and supported by Vice-Chair Mr. Hanqiang Tan (Singapore), the meeting will play a pivotal role in shaping the maritime industry’s environmental future. The main agenda centers around the IMO Net-Zero Framework, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to combatting climate change through regulatory innovation.
Adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework
One of the major highlights of MEPC/ES.2 will be the consideration and adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, which includes the IMO Net-Zero Framework a new regulatory package approved earlier at MEPC 83.
This framework introduces two essential elements:
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A global fuel standard, aimed at ensuring ships transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels.
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A global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pricing mechanism, designed to encourage sustainable shipping operations worldwide.
These steps are aligned with IMO’s 2023 GHG Strategy, which seeks to reduce total annual GHG emissions from international shipping and move toward full decarbonization by mid-century.
Preparing for Implementation and Future Work
The Committee will also review a draft work plan to prepare for the entry into force of the IMO Net-Zero Framework. This plan will outline practical measures, timelines, and compliance mechanisms to support Member States and shipping companies in transitioning smoothly to the new standards.
In addition, the session will address related documents, such as the Draft Revised MARPOL Annex VI (2025), which includes a new Chapter 5 detailing the structure and enforcement of the Net-Zero regulations. These discussions will lay the foundation for global cooperation and consistent implementation across the maritime sector.
The upcoming MEPC Extraordinary Session 2 marks a crucial moment in international maritime governance. By focusing on the IMO Net-Zero Framework, the Committee aims to drive the shipping industry closer to a sustainable and climate-resilient future. As the global community watches, the outcomes of this session could define the pace and direction of maritime decarbonization for decades to come.
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Source: IMO
