Following the the 82nd session of its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), held from September 30 to October 4, 2024, the International Maritime Organization is taking the next steps to advance measures towards net-zero shipping.
Progress of MEPC 82
The draft legal text produced by MEPC 82 integrates inputs and proposals from Member States and international organizations on possible amendments to be made to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex VI). If adopted, these amendments would incorporate the proposed new measures into international law. Discussion also took place during the session on possible establishment of an IMO GHG Intensity Registry and an IMO fund/facility in order to facilitate the implementation of the technical and economic elements of the GHG reduction measures.
I welcome your continued demonstrated commitment. It has allowed us to identify further areas of convergence on defining the legal framework for the IMO Net Zero Framework, that will effectively guide the next round of dialogue. I am convinced that at the next session, you will reach an agreement.
… said Arsenio Dominguez on the closing of MEPC 82
Next steps
The next MEPC will hold its next session (MEPC 83) from 7 to 11 April 2025, where Members are expected to approve the amendments, ahead of their formal adoption in October 2025.
A period of negotiations lies ahead between now and the next MEPC meeting, to resolve areas of divergence, and further refine the draft text before approval at MEPC 83 in April 2025 and adoption in Autumn 2025.
The Committee scheduled the following intersessional meetings to focus on further development of the mid-term measures:
- Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 18) 17-21 February 2025; and
- Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 19) during the week immediately before MEPC 83, scheduled for 7-11 April 2025.
The following meetings are also scheduled:
- Intersessional Working Group on Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency (ISWG-APEE 1) during the week before MEPC 83 to continue work to address the identified challenges/gaps in the short-term GHG reduction measure, and develop draft amendments to existing instruments and/or develop new instruments;
- One-day GHG-Expert Workshop (GHG-EW 6) to discuss the possible impacts of the basket of proposed mid-term measures on food security. Date to be confirmed.
