IMO MEPC 84: What’s on the agenda?

March 30 ------ The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) will meet for its 84th session in person at IMO Headquarters in London (with remote participation enabled) from 27 April-1 May 2026.

Following a turbulent and pivotal extraordinary session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2) in October 2025, where the Net-Zero Framework was put forward for adoption but ultimately delayed, tensions have continued to simmer. However, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, has repeatedly emphasized that progress on industry decarbonization is ongoing, as governments maintain their commitment to the emissions reduction targets agreed in 2023.

As MEPC 84 approaches, discussions are poised to resume, focusing on how the shipping industry should cut pollution and emissions. The meeting will be chaired by Dr. Harry Conway (Liberia), with Mr. Hanqiang Tan (Singapore) as Vice-Chair.

Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments – MARPOL Annex VI

The Committee will consider, for adoption, draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI:

• Designation of the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter. Clarification of entries in data reporting required by regulations 27 and 28, under Appendix IX Information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (regulation 27) and making the IMO’s data collection system (IMO DCS) on ship fuel consumption more accessible to the public. The IMO DCS requires ships to record and report their fuel oil consumption, which is then used to calculate ships’ operational carbon intensity (CII).

• Definitions and Appendix I Form of International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate, related to use of multiple engine operational profiles for a marine diesel engine, including clarifying engine test cycles.

Reduction of GHG emissions from ships

Discussions on IMO’s next set of regulatory measures under the IMO Net-Zero Framework were adjourned in October 2025 (MEPC/ES.2).

Discussions on the way forward in developing IMO’s mid-term GHG reduction measures, including addressing comments and concerns raised during MEPC/ES.2, will continue at MEPC 84, under Agenda Item 7 on Reduction of GHG emissions from ships. A total of 57 documents have been submitted for consideration under this agenda item.

A Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships is expected to be established during the session.

Discussions on options for the resumption of MEPC/ES.2, will be considered under agenda item 14 “Work program of the Committee and subsidiary bodies”.

The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG) is scheduled to meet 20-24 April and will report to MEPC. The ISWG-GHG is expected to further develop guidelines to support implementation of various elements of the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework without prejudging any future decision of the Committee on adoption of amendments on the IMO Net-Zero Framework and the timelines contained therein. The Group is also expected to further develop the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework and the draft terms of reference of the planned 5th IMO GHG Study.

Harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water

MEPC is expected to approve a package of amendments to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, following a review of the treaty and its associated instruments under an experience‑building phase (EBP). The amendments will cover various mandatory provisions of the Convention (regulations and appendices in the Annex to the Convention). MEPC is also expected to adopt revised Guidelines for ballast water management and development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4).

Furthermore, MEPC will progress the work towards finalizing the package of draft amendments to the mandatory BWMS Code and towards the revision and development of guidelines associated with the BWM Convention.

Air pollution prevention

MEPC is expected to note the information on IMO sulphur monitoring program for 2025 as well as information on equivalent means of compliance reported to the MARPOL Annex VI module in GISIS.

The Committee will be invited to consider the outcome of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 13), in relation to matters relating to Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), NOx emissions and Black Carbon.

Energy efficiency of ships

The Committee is expected, inter alia, to note reports on the 2024 fuel oil consumption data submitted to the IMO DCS in GISIS and on annual carbon intensity and efficiency of the fleet (Documents: MEPC 84/6/1 and MEPC 84/6/2).

Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS)

MEPC is expected to consider draft guidelines for testing, survey, certification and approval of onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) systems and provide further guidance to a correspondence group.

Review of short-term measure (EEXI, SEEMP, CII rating)

MEPC will initiate phase 2 of the review of IMO’s short-term GHG reduction measures, which were adopted in 2021 and entered into force in 2022 (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), enhanced Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating scheme).

In accordance with the work plan approved by MEPC 83, the Committee will consider, inter alia: enhancement of the SEEMP framework; revision of the CII metrics; including consideration of EEDI and EEXI calculation for wind propulsion.

Addressing marine plastic litter from ships/plastic pellets

MEPC is expected to adopt the draft 2026 Strategy and the Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, which will update and supersede the 2021 Strategy (MEPC.341(77)) and 2025 Action Plan (MEPC.404(83)).

The Strategy reaffirms IMO’s commitment to reduce marine plastic litter from all ships, including fishing vessels. It works to reduce shipping’s contribution to ocean plastic pollution, improve the effectiveness of port reception facilities and waste processing, while strengthening international rules and compliance.

The goal is to achieve zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2030.

Environmental risks of plastic pellets transported by sea in freight containers

MEPC will consider the recommendation of PPR 13 that a new code on the maritime transport of plastic pellets in freight containers be developed and made mandatory under MARPOL Annex III and/or SOLAS.

Marking and reporting of fishing gear

MEPC is expected to approve a draft MEPC circular promoting the implementation of fishing gear marking systems and the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on Marking of Fishing Gear (VGMFG).

Reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping

MEPC is expected to consider with a view to approval a draft MEPC circular on Technical guidance on co-optimizing energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise at the design and retrofit stage.

The Action Plan for the reduction of underwater radiated (URN) noise from commercial shipping (URN Action Plan) was approved at MEPC 82 in 2024.  

MEPC is expected to endorse an extension to 2028 for the experience-building phase (EBP) in implementing the Revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life (MEPC.1/Circ.906/Rev.1). MEPC will also be invited to endorse an IMO‑commissioned study on URN emissions and the associated draft terms of reference, subject to an assessment on resource implication

Pollution prevention and response – other matters

Following review of the report of PPR 13, MEPC is expected to consider taking the following actions:

• Concur with the recommendation that a standalone legally binding instrument should be developed for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species; and approve the draft terms of reference for the corresponding output.

• Approve the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I and associated Guidelines related to integrated bilge water treatment systems (IBTS).

• Approve the draft revised unified interpretation of regulations 13.2.2, 13.2.3 and 16.9 of MARPOL Annex VI to clarify application date for a major conversion and requirements regarding shipboard incinerator type approval testing.

• Approve draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to require new tankers carrying crude oil to install pressure-vacuum devices to control the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reduce air pollution.

New outputs proposed

MEPC is expected to consider proposals for three new outputs:

• Amendments to regulation 12 of MARPOL Annex VI to prohibit the reintroduction of ozone-depleting substances on ships.

• Measures to address maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) in the instruments under the purview of the Marine Environment Protection Committee.

• Supporting the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement within IMO’s regulatory framework for protecting the seas and oceans and marine biodiversity.

Source: safety4sea.com