Home
MENU CLOSE

MENU

Contact Us Subscribe ABS Group

Brief: MEPC 84

Session Dates 27 April - 1 May 2026

 

Overview: MEPC 84 

The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) held its 84th session from 27 April to 1 May 2026, continuing discussions and work across a broad range of environmental regulatory areas. 

While no agreement was reached on the NZF and the associated alternative proposals, the session reinforced the direction toward a globally applicable, consensus‑based framework, with confirmation that further work will continue intersessionally toward MEPC 85 and beyond. At the same time, MEPC 84 delivered concrete regulatory outcomes in other areas, notably air pollution and energy efficiency, life‑cycle GHG assessment, ballast water management, new Emission Control Areas, and marine environmental protection.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Net‑Zero Framework: The Committee reaffirmed the importance of developing a globally applicable IMO Net‑Zero Framework based on international consensus, while recognizing that further technical and political work is required. MEPC agreed to continue consideration of the NZF and alternative proposals on an intersessional basis ahead of MEPC 85.
  • Fifth IMO GHG Study: MEPC approved the Terms of Reference for the Fifth IMO GHG Study and invited the Secretariat to initiate the nomination process for the Steering Committee. The Study will update global GHG inventories and projections and will support the future review of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
  • Life‑Cycle GHG Assessment: The Committee progressed work on the IMO LCA framework, including default emission factors, fuel pathway developments, and methodological treatment of carbon capture technologies. GESAMP‑LCA was instructed to continue technical refinements and report to MEPC 85.
  • Energy Efficiency and Air Pollution: MEPC adopted amendments and guidelines related to IMO DCS accessibility, EEDI/EEXI, and emissions measurement and monitoring, and noted continued improvement in fleet‑wide carbon intensity.
  • Onboard Carbon Capture: The Committee advanced draft guidelines on the testing, approval, survey and certification of onboard carbon capture systems, agreeing on a technology‑neutral, step‑wise approach.
  • Ballast Water Management: MEPC approved draft amendments to the BWM Convention Annex and associated guidelines, enhancing requirements on system operation, maintenance, certification, and challenging water quality.
  • New Emission Control Areas: The Committee adopted the North‑East Atlantic Emission Control Area and approved protective measures for designated PSSAs.
  • Other Notable Outcomes:
    • Amendments on Integrated Bilge Water Treatment Systems (IBTS) under MARPOL Annex I.
    • Agreement to develop a legally binding biofouling framework by 2029.
    • Adoption of the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan on Marine Plastic Litter.
    • Measures on underwater radiated noise, ozone‑depleting substances, and preparatory work on MASS.

Home
Contact
Careers
Subscribe
Ver_1.0  Build Time

Contact Us
Quick Links
Home