Following the 84th meeting of the IMO Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), there are still unanswered questions, particularly regarding the planned Net Zero Framework. However, there is also progress to report.
The 84th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) met in London from April 27 to May 1 to discuss urgent issues of maritime environmental protection. In addition to topics such as ship efficiency and air and water pollution, the main focus this time was on the postponed decision on the IMO’s Net Zero Framework.
Essentially, the aim is to make global shipping completely climate-neutral by 2050, with interim targets by 2030 and 2040. Ships are to be obliged to use alternative, environmentally friendly fuels. This plan has been on the table for some time, but the IMO member states have not yet been able to agree on it. The framework was last up for discussion at an extraordinary MEPC meeting last fall, but the decision was postponed following opposition from the USA. The United States also exerted pressure in the run-up to MEPC 84: Laura DiBella, President of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), called the proposal an “unnecessary tax” and repeated Trump’s accusation of distorting competition.
Discussion about Net-Zero Framework
The members were still unable to reach an agreement, but international associations praised the fact that the discussion had gone much better this time. “This week’s constructive dialog is very welcome, even if it is clear that many member states are not yet in a position to adopt a global legal framework without further adjustments,” said Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). “The shipping industry is fully committed to the goals of the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy and has already achieved significant greenhouse gas emission reductions.”
It is essential that governments adopt a comprehensive and needs-based global framework as soon as possible to enable the industry to further accelerate the transition to alternative energy sources. “We therefore welcome the decision to launch additional negotiations in September, to which the ICS will contribute ideas on a possible way forward to achieve the necessary support from all member states,” said Kazakos.
“These are complex and sometimes difficult discussions,” said Joe Kramek, CEO and President of the World Shipping Council (WSC). “But the continued commitment of governments is essential to ensure progress. The liner shipping industry has already invested $150 billion in new dual-fuel powered vessels that have the potential to reduce emissions. However, the realization of these emission reductions depends on agreement on an effective global framework.”
Further discussions on the Net-Zero Framework are due to take place before the next MEPC meeting in winter, as well as further elaboration of the HGH Reduction Strategy, which is due to be presented in 2028. The 85th meeting of the Environment Committee (MEPC 85) is initially scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 3, 2026.
Progress in maritime environmental protection
Further measures were also discussed at MEPC 84. Progress has been made in updating the NOx Technical Code, guidelines on emissions monitoring, a work plan for requirements for onboard carbon capture and storage and amended guidelines on biofuels.
“These are practical steps that matter,” said Kramek. “They will shape the way fuels are used, how emissions are measured and whether future measures can be implemented effectively.”
World’s largest emissions control area
One of the committee’s biggest successes is the establishment of a new emissions control area in the North-East Atlantic. Stricter limits for sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions will apply there from September 2027. It is to extend from Portugal via the British Isles to Iceland and Greenland. This will make it the largest area of its kind in the world and will also connect existing emission control zones in the Mediterranean, the North Sea and off North America.
