The International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (IMO MEPC) 83 met at the IMO’ headquarters in London from 7 – 11 April 2025. The session outlined critical new measures for marine environmental protection and shipping decarbonization, reshaping future fuel strategies and emissions compliance.
The IMO MEPC plays a crucial role in addressing the environmental impact of shipping. It oversees various subcommittees and addresses issues that intersect with the work of multiple committees, thereby influencing key regulations aimed at protecting the marine environment.
Below is a brief overview of some of the significant outcomes from MEPC 83:
Tackling climate change – Mid-term measures to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping approved as amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, expected to be adopted at the Extraordinary Session of MEPC in October 2025 for entry into force on 1 March 2027.
Review of the short-term GHG reduction measures – Phase 1 completed by agreeing to reduction factors for CII through 2030
Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) and other energy efficiency matters, aiming to increase data transparency related to fuel oil reporting.
Addressing marine plastic litter – Action Plan approved
North-East Atlantic Ocean Emissions Control Area approved and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas off Peru agreed in principle
Review of the Ballast Water Management Convention – ongoing
Air pollution prevention – various developments
Amendments to NOx Technical Code adopted, related to substantially modifying marine diesel engines and engines using multiple operational profiles
Pollution prevention and response – actions taken
Reports from other Sub-Committees approved
Development of a legally binding instrument on controlling and managing ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species.
Assessment of the implementation of the Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention on the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships and development of amendments and clarifications as appropriate.
Adoption of Amendments to the 2023 Guidelines for developing the Inventory of Hazardous Materials.
