(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization marked another incremental but strategically important step in the decarbonization and environmental governance of global shipping. Convened amid increasing regulatory pressure and industry uncertainty, MEPC 84 focused on translating long-term climate ambitions into enforceable, mid-term measures—while also advancing parallel environmental priorities.
Advancing Mid-Term GHG Reduction Measures
At the core of the discussions was the continued development of the IMO’s mid-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction framework. Building on the revised 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, Member States worked toward refining a combination of technical and economic measures. These include a proposed global fuel standard—often referred to as a GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) mechanism—and a market-based measure (MBM), likely in the form of a carbon pricing system.
While consensus remains politically sensitive, MEPC 84 made tangible progress in narrowing down design options, particularly on how revenues from carbon pricing could be redistributed to support developing states and incentivize zero- and near-zero emission fuels.
Lifecycle Assessment: A Critical Technical Pillar
A key technical challenge remains lifecycle assessment (LCA) of marine fuels. MEPC 84 continued advancing guidelines to ensure that emissions accounting covers well-to-wake impacts rather than just tank-to-wake emissions. This is critical to avoid unintended consequences, such as shifting emissions upstream in fuel production chains.
The work on LCA is expected to directly influence future compliance frameworks under both the GFI standard and broader decarbonization targets.
Review of Existing Measures: EEXI and CII
In parallel, the Committee reviewed the effectiveness of short-term measures already in force, notably the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). While these mechanisms have introduced a baseline level of operational discipline, concerns persist regarding their real-world effectiveness and potential for “paper compliance.”
MEPC 84 discussions reflected a growing acknowledgment that refinements will be necessary—particularly in improving the robustness of CII ratings and addressing operational distortions.
Broader Environmental Protection Agenda
Beyond climate change, MEPC 84 also addressed other environmental protection areas. Progress was made on reducing underwater radiated noise, an emerging regulatory domain linked to marine biodiversity protection. Additionally, discussions continued on ballast water management implementation challenges and the control of invasive aquatic species.
Air pollution, including sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), remains under continuous review, though no major regulatory shifts were finalized at this session.
Implications for the Shipping Industry
From an industry perspective, MEPC 84 reinforced a clear trajectory: regulatory complexity will increase, and compliance will demand both technical adaptation and strategic planning. Shipowners and managers are now operating in a transitional regulatory landscape where investment decisions—particularly regarding fuel choice and propulsion technologies—must be made under uncertainty.
The absence of a single dominant fuel pathway continues to complicate fleet renewal strategies.
Key Outcomes:
1. Net‑Zero Framework:
The Committee reaffirmed the importance of developing a globally applicable IMO GHG reduction mid-term measure based on international consensus, while recognizing that further technical and political work is required. The Committee agreed to continue consideration of the NZF and alternative proposals on an intersessional basis ahead of MEPC 85, approving relevant Terms of Reference and noting that adoption remains pending.
2. 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.
3. 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. The GESAMP‑LCA was instructed to continue technical refinements and report to MEPC 85.
4. Energy Efficiency and Air Pollution:
MEPC adopted amendments and guidelines related to IMO DCS accessibility, the EEDI framework, and emissions measurement and monitoring, and noted continued improvement in fleet‑wide carbon intensity. The Committee also continued the work on Phase 2 of the review of the short-term GHG reduction measures.
5. 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. The Correspondence Group was re‑established to continue work toward MEPC 86.
6. Ballast Water Management:
MEPC approved amendments to the BWM Convention Annex and associated guidelines, enhancing requirements on system operation, maintenance, certification, and challenging water quality, with the aim of strengthening consistent implementation.
7. Designation of Special Areas, ECAs and PSSAs:
The Committee adopted the North‑East Atlantic Emission Control Area and considered protective measures for a new proposed PSSA, while initiating consideration of IMO’s role in supporting implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and advancing work on marine biodiversity protection.
8. Other Notable Outcomes:
- Amendments on Integrated Bilge Water Treatment Systems (IBTS) under MARPOL Annex I.
- Agreement to develop a legally binding biofouling framework as a standalone instrument by 2029.
- Adoption of the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan on Marine Plastic Litter, reaffirming the goal of zero plastic waste discharges by 2030.
- Further measures on underwater radiated noise, ozone-depleting substances, and preparatory work on MASS under MEPC’s remit.
MEPC 84 did not deliver a single decisive breakthrough, but that was never its primary purpose. Instead, it functioned as a critical consolidation phase, aligning technical groundwork, narrowing policy options, and preparing the stage for more definitive decisions at upcoming sessions.
For maritime stakeholders, the message is unambiguous: the shift toward a low-carbon shipping industry is accelerating, and the window for proactive adaptation is steadily narrowing.
For more details you can download below, summary reports from:
Summary Report From LR
Summary Report from DNV
Summary Report from ABS
Summary Report from ClassNK
More summaries from other Classification societies and industry stakeholders and organizations, will be added here as soon as they become available. Check again for updates.
Source: IMO
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