The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is set to convene for its 84th session (MEPC 84) from April 27 to May 1, 2026, at the IMO Headquarters in London. This highly anticipated meeting follows a turbulent extraordinary session in October 2025, where the crucial Net-Zero Framework faced delays, leaving the industry eager for renewed progress on **shipping decarbonization** and **marine pollution** control.
Despite simmering tensions, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has consistently affirmed the ongoing commitment to industry decarbonization, emphasizing that governments remain dedicated to the ambitious emissions reduction targets established in 2023. Chaired by Dr. Harry Conway (Liberia) and Vice-Chair Mr. Hanqiang Tan (Singapore), MEPC 84 is poised to tackle critical discussions on how the global shipping industry can significantly cut pollution and emissions.
### Key Agenda Highlights at MEPC 84
This session promises a packed agenda, addressing a wide range of environmental issues:
* Amendments to **MARPOL Annex VI**
* Reduction of **GHG emissions from ships**
* Management of harmful aquatic organisms in **ballast water**
* **Air pollution prevention**
* **Energy efficiency of ships**
* Combating **marine plastic litter** and plastic pellets
* Reduction of **underwater radiated noise** from shipping
* Various other **pollution prevention and response** matters
* Proposals for new environmental outputs
### Deep Dive: Critical Discussions and Proposed Measures
**Strengthening MARPOL Annex VI: New Emission Controls and Data Transparency**
A significant focus will be on the consideration and adoption of draft amendments to **MARPOL Annex VI**. Key proposals include the designation of the North-East Atlantic as an **Emission Control Area** for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides, and Particulate Matter. Further amendments aim to clarify data reporting requirements for the **IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database** (IMO DCS), enhancing public accessibility to crucial fuel consumption data used for calculating ships’ operational carbon intensity (CII). Definitions related to engine operational profiles and IAPP Certificates will also be addressed.
**Accelerating GHG Emissions Reduction: The Path to Net-Zero**
Following the adjournment of discussions on the **IMO Net-Zero Framework** in October 2025, MEPC 84 will resume talks on developing IMO’s mid-term **GHG reduction measures**. With 57 documents submitted under this agenda item, a **Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships** is expected to be established. The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG), meeting just before MEPC 84, will further develop guidelines to support the proposed framework and advance the **life cycle assessment (LCA) framework** and the 5th IMO GHG Study.
**Ballast Water Management: Enhancing Environmental Protection**
MEPC 84 is expected to approve a comprehensive package of amendments to the **Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention**, stemming from its experience-building phase. These amendments will update mandatory provisions and lead to the adoption of revised Guidelines for ballast water management (G4). Work will also progress on finalizing draft amendments to the mandatory BWMS Code.
**Tackling Air Pollution: Beyond Sulphur Limits**
The committee will review the 2025 IMO sulphur monitoring programme and consider outcomes from the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 13) regarding **Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS)**, NOx emissions, and **Black Carbon**. Draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI are also expected to require new crude oil tankers to install pressure-vacuum devices to control volatile organic compound (VOC) releases.
**Boosting Ship Energy Efficiency and Emissions Monitoring**
Reports on 2024 fuel oil consumption data and fleet carbon intensity will be noted. Crucially, MEPC 84 aims to finalize and adopt:
* Draft 2026 Guidelines for measuring **CH4 and N2O emissions** from marine diesel engines.
* Guidelines for **engine load monitoring (ELM)** and calculation of emission values.
* Guidelines for **continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS)**.
Discussions will also advance on draft guidelines for **Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS)** systems.
**Reviewing Short-Term GHG Measures: EEXI, SEEMP, and CII**
Phase 2 of the review of IMO’s short-term GHG reduction measures – the **Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)**, enhanced **Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)**, and **Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)** rating scheme – will commence. This includes enhancing the SEEMP framework, revising CII metrics, and considering EEDI/EEXI calculations for wind propulsion.
**Addressing Marine Plastic Litter: A Zero-Discharge Goal**
MEPC 84 is set to adopt the draft 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address **Marine Plastic Litter from Ships**, aiming for **zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2030**. This updated strategy reinforces IMO’s commitment to reducing shipping’s contribution to ocean plastic pollution, improving port reception facilities, and strengthening international rules. The environmental risks of **plastic pellets** transported by sea will also be a key discussion point, with a recommendation for a new mandatory code. Furthermore, a draft circular promoting fishing gear marking systems will be considered.
**Reducing Underwater Radiated Noise: Protecting Marine Life**
The committee will consider technical guidance on co-optimizing energy efficiency and **underwater radiated noise (URN)** at the design and retrofit stage. Endorsement of an extension to 2028 for the URN experience-building phase and an IMO-commissioned study on URN emissions are also on the agenda, underscoring efforts to mitigate adverse impacts on marine life.
**Other Critical Pollution Prevention and Response Actions**
MEPC 84 is expected to concur with the recommendation for a standalone legally binding instrument for controlling and managing ships’ **biofouling** to minimize invasive aquatic species transfer. Draft amendments related to integrated bilge water treatment systems (IBTS) and revised unified interpretations for MARPOL Annex VI regulations will also be approved.
**New Horizons: Emerging Environmental Challenges**
Three new outputs are proposed for consideration:
* Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to prohibit the reintroduction of **ozone-depleting substances** on ships.
* Measures to address **maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS)** within the MEPC’s purview.
* Supporting the implementation of the **BBNJ Agreement** within IMO’s regulatory framework for marine biodiversity.
As MEPC 84 prepares to open, the global maritime industry watches closely. The decisions made during this session will be pivotal in shaping the future of sustainable shipping, driving forward critical environmental protection initiatives, and reinforcing the IMO’s commitment to a cleaner, greener ocean.
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