The 82nd session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC82) has resulted in a draft legal text to use as a basis for continuing talks around the proposed ‘mid-term measures’ for GHG reduction, which are expected to be adopted in 2025.
The proposed measures build on previously adopted ‘short-term measures’ to include a goal-based marine fuel standard that will phase in the mandatory use of fuels with less GHG intensity and a global maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism. They are aimed at driving the international shipping industry’s transition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050.
The draft legal text produced by MEPC 82 integrates inputs and proposals from Member States and international organisations 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 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.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “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.”
The MEPC’s next session (MEPC 83, 7-11 April 2025) is expected to approve the amendments, ahead of their formal adoption in October 2025.
In addition to GHG reduction matters, the Committee decided on several other topics, including:
- Identification of challenges/gaps related to the short-term GHG reduction measure (CII) to facilitate its review;
- Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, designating the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas for NOx, SOx and Particulate Matter;
- Approval of the Action Plan for the Reduction of Underwater Noise from Commercial Shipping and associated guidance for the experience-building phase.
IMO says that a period of negotiation lies ahead between now and MEPC83 to resolve areas of divergence, and further refine the draft text before approval at MEPC83 and adoption in Autumn 2025.
Image: MEPC82 meeting at IMO headquarters (source: IMO)
