IMO Progresses Work On Ship Emissions, Pollution, And Ocean Protection
Our take
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is advancing its efforts to address ship emissions, pollution, and ocean protection. The Committee will reconvene for its Second Extraordinary Session on Friday, December 4, 2026, pending confirmation by the 85th session. This session aims to build on previous discussions and foster collaborative solutions to mitigate maritime environmental impacts. By prioritizing scientific integrity and global cooperation, the IMO seeks to enhance regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable practices within the shipping industry, ultimately safeguarding our oceans for future generations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is advancing its initiatives to address the pressing issues of ship emissions, pollution, and ocean protection. Scheduled for its Second Extraordinary Session on December 4, 2026, this gathering represents a critical juncture in the global maritime community’s efforts to create actionable strategies for sustainable shipping practices. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, the importance of this session cannot be overstated. It aligns with other ongoing discussions about ocean health, such as the findings on the Islands of biodiversity created by remote Arctic kelp forests of the central Kitikmeot Sea and the implications of deep-sea ecosystems explored in the recent Giant squid discovery uncovers a hidden deep-sea world off Australia.
The urgency of tackling ship emissions and pollution is underscored by the maritime sector's significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The IMO's commitment to developing a robust framework for managing these emissions is crucial for achieving global climate targets. This session not only seeks to establish regulatory measures but also emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts across nations and industries. The success of these initiatives will depend on the integration of empirical data and peer-reviewed research, ensuring that policies are grounded in scientific evidence. As we witness the ongoing dialogue about the potential for strategic investment in the ocean economy, highlighted in articles like World Economic Forum: Here's why we need Strategic investment in the Ocean economy, a multi-faceted approach is essential to foster innovation and drive sustainability in maritime practices.
Moreover, the IMO's work represents a broader trend within the maritime industry to embrace transparency and accountability. By focusing on integrated data ecosystems and real-time monitoring, the organization is setting a precedent for future environmental governance. This approach not only helps mitigate the immediate impacts of shipping on the ocean but also serves as a foundation for long-term ocean stewardship. As stakeholders from diverse backgrounds gather to share knowledge and best practices, the potential for breakthroughs in pollution management and emission reduction becomes increasingly attainable.
As we look ahead to the outcomes of the upcoming session, it is essential to consider how these discussions will shape the future of maritime policy and ocean health. Will the IMO's proposed measures effectively balance economic interests with ecological responsibilities? The commitment to fostering collaborative solutions will be paramount in determining the trajectory of the maritime industry’s environmental impact. The stakes are high, and the implications of these deliberations extend beyond shipping to affect global ecosystems and climate stability. Therefore, the outcomes of the IMO's Second Extraordinary Session should be closely monitored, as they may well redefine the parameters of ocean protection and stewardship for years to come.
Marine Environment Protection Committee “back on track” towards consensus on global shipping emissions
The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded its 84th session with a commitment to rebuild consensus on global shipping emissions, while sounding the alarm over environmental risks in the Strait of Hormuz and adopting new measures to curb air pollution in the Northeast Atlantic.
Closing the meeting, held from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “We are back on track, but we have to rebuild trust. I encourage you to maintain this momentum through your intersessional work and to prepare submissions that can bring the membership together.”
The Committee will resume its Second Extraordinary Session on Friday 4 December 2026, subject to confirmation by the 85th session (MEPC 85) scheduled to convene 30 November to 3 December.
IMO Net Zero Framework
Nearly 100 delegations took the floor this week to voice their views on the adoption of “mid-term measures” to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships – known as the IMO Net-Zero Framework – with multiple proposals tabled on how to take forward negotiations.
The Committee agreed to establish an intersessional Working Group to resolve various concerns and drive broader convergence on a global measure ahead of MEPC 85 in six months. Member States will be able to submit new amendments and adjustments to the draft amendments previously approved.
Two inter-sessional meetings will be scheduled (1 to 4 September and 23 to 27 November) ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November to 3 December), as well as a one-day expert workshop on “chain of custody” models, which track fuel origin and movement of fuels across the supply chain, ensuring emissions are properly traced and verified.
The second extraordinary session of MEPC (adjourned last October) is scheduled to resume on 4 December, subject to discussions at MEPC 85.
Strait of Hormuz and the marine environment
The Committee adopted a resolution condemning the attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz region and the related risks of marine pollution.
The Committee recognised the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters, warning that these attacks could cause large-scale marine pollution such as oil, hazardous and noxious substances and hazardous residues arising from missiles, drones, fires and explosions.
The Committee requested Secretary-General to monitor environmental impacts and report to the next IMO Council session.
New Emissions Control Area for the North-East Atlantic
The Committee adopted a new Emission Control Area (ECA) in the North-East Atlantic, introducing stricter emission limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). The entry into force date is set for 1 September 2027, with the ECA taking effect 12 months later in 2028.
The ECA covers the exclusive economic zones and territorial seas, extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines of Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Ireland, the mainlands of the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal.
Within ECAs, ships must use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10%. Cutting SOx and NOx emissions reduces risks of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and childhood asthma. It also improves visibility at sea and reduces acidification, helping protect crops and forests.
2026 Strategy and Action Plan on marine plastic litter
The Committee adopted the 2026 Strategy and the Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, reaffirming IMO’s goal of zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2030.
The Strategy and Action Plan work to improve port reception facilities and waste processing, strengthen regulatory compliance, and expand public awareness, seafarer training and international cooperation, including targeted technical assistance and capacity-building. It updates and supersedes the 2021 Strategy and 2025 Action Plan for addressing marine litter.
Developing a Code for transporting plastic pellets
The Committee agreed to develop a mandatory code governing the maritime transport of plastic pellets in freight containers, under MARPOL Annex III and/or the SOLAS Convention. The Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 14) was tasked with drafting the code and reporting back to MEPC.
Actions on fishing gear marking
The Committee approved a circular promoting the implementation of fishing gear marking systems, in line with the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the Marking of Fishing Gear (VGMFG).
Combatting harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water
The Committee approved a package of amendments to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, following a review of the treaty and its associated instruments under an experience-building phase (EBP).
The review was conducted to refine implementation, close regulatory gaps and ensure the Contention remains an effective and practical tool for protecting marine ecosystems. The amendments cover various mandatory provisions of the Convention (regulations and appendices in the Annex to the Convention).
The Committee adopted revised Guidelines for ballast water management and development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4).
Reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping
The Committee advanced its work on underwater radiated noise (URN), agreeing in principle to extend the experience-building phase (EBP) by two years, to the end of 2028. The EBP aims to address barriers Member States face in applying IMO’s Revised URN Guidelines (Revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life – MEPC.1/Circ.906/Rev.1)
The Committee agreed in principle to commission an IMO study on URN emissions, as an evidence base for possible future measures. Member States were also invited to submit proposals for a URN policy roadmap to MEPC 85.
New outputs
The Committee agreed on new outputs to work on over the next two years:
- Amendments to regulation 12 of MARPOL Annex VI to prohibit the reintroduction of ozone-depleting substances on ships; and
- Measures to address maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) in the instruments under the purview of the Marine Environment Protection Committee.
A new output on “Supporting the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement within IMO’s regulatory framework for protecting the seas and oceans and marine biodiversity” was agreed in principle, subject to further consideration by MEPC 85.
Other key decisions
The Committee also took action on the following:
- Approved the Terms of Reference for the Fifth IMO GHG Study and requested the IMO Secretariat to initiate the procurement process for the study;
- Adopted 2026 Guidelines for test bed and onboard measurements of CH4 and/or N2O emissions from marine diesel engines;
- Approved draft amendments to the 2008 NOx Technical Code in relation to non-carbon containing fuels, with a view to subsequent adoption.
- Agreed that a standalone legally binding instrument should be developed for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species.
A full meeting summary will be available in due course.
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