The International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee has concluded its 84th session with plans to intensify negotiations on greenhouse gas measures for shipping, alongside decisions addressing air pollution, marine litter and other environmental risks.
MEPC 84, held at IMO headquarters in London from 27 April to 1 May 2026, was chaired by Dr. Harry Conway of Liberia. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the committee was back on track towards consensus but needed to rebuild trust among the membership.
Context: IMO Net-Zero Framework explained
Nearly 100 delegations spoke during discussions on the proposed mid-term measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships, collectively known as the IMO Net-Zero Framework. Multiple proposals were submitted on how negotiations should proceed.
Related context: earlier IMO / Regulation coverage · earlier IMO / Regulation coverage · earlier IMO / Regulation coverage · earlier IMO / Regulation coverage
Operational context
The committee established an intersessional working group to address outstanding concerns and seek broader convergence before MEPC 85, scheduled for 30 November to 3 December 2026. Member States will be able to propose amendments and adjustments to the draft provisions previously approved.
Two intersessional meetings are planned for 1-4 September and 23-27 November. IMO will also hold a one-day expert workshop on chain-of-custody models used to trace fuel origins, movement through supply chains and associated emissions. The adjourned second extraordinary MEPC session is scheduled to resume on 4 December 2026, subject to confirmation at MEPC 85.
MEPC 84 also adopted a North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area imposing tighter limits on nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter. It covers territorial seas and exclusive economic zones extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baselines of Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Ireland, mainland United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal.
The entry-into-force date is 1 September 2027, with the ECA taking effect 12 months later. Ships operating within emission control areas must use fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10%.
What it means for maritime operators
The committee adopted a resolution condemning attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz region and warning of potential large-scale pollution in the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters. Identified risks include releases of oil, hazardous and noxious substances, and residues resulting from missiles, drones, fires and explosions. The IMO Secretary-General was asked to monitor the environmental impact and report to the next IMO Council session.
A new 2026 Strategy and Action Plan on marine plastic litter from ships was adopted, reaffirming the target of zero plastic waste discharges into the sea from ships by 2030. The measures cover port reception facilities, waste processing, regulatory compliance, public awareness, seafarer training, international cooperation and technical assistance. They replace the 2021 Strategy and 2025 Action Plan.
The committee further agreed to develop a mandatory code for transporting plastic pellets in freight containers under MARPOL Annex III and/or the SOLAS Convention. Drafting was assigned to the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response.
A package of amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention was approved following an experience-building review, together with revised guidelines for ballast water management and the development of vessel management plans. MEPC also supported, in principle, extending the experience-building phase for underwater radiated noise until the end of 2028 and commissioning an IMO study to support possible future measures.
Other decisions included terms of reference for the Fifth IMO GHG Study, 2026 guidelines for measuring methane and nitrous oxide emissions from marine diesel engines, proposed NOx Technical Code amendments for non-carbon-containing fuels, and agreement that a standalone legally binding instrument should be developed to manage ships’ biofouling and limit the transfer of invasive aquatic species.