The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee met in London 27 April - 1 May 2026 for the eighty-fourth session (MEPC 84).

The following are key outcomes from MEPC 84:

  1. IMO Net-Zero Framework
    1. Further discussion took place on the mid-term GHG reduction measures. It was clear at this stage that finding a compromise position between those advocating for the draft Net Zero Framework to be 
      adopted with minimal change and those in favour of a market readiness approach was not possible.
    2. Discussions will continue on both the regulatory framework and on supporting guidelines at two intersessional working groups on GHG (ISWG-GHG) ahead of MEPC 85.
    3. MEPC 85 is tentatively scheduled to be held 30 November to 3 December, whilst MEPC ES.2 is planned to be resumed for 1 day on Friday 4th December, subject to any further discussion at MEPC 85.
    4. Terms of reference for a 5th IMO GHG Study were completed – this will support the review of the IMO 
      GHG Reduction Strategy in 2028. 
  2.  Review of the GHG Reduction short-term measures
    1. EEDI guidelines were updated to consider dual-fuel and hybrid ships
    2. Discussion to strengthen the requirements of the ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP) to drive operational energy efficiency, which would introduce regular internal reviews, continuous 
      improvement, changes to the auditing arrangements and an energy efficiency implementation log. This work will continue at a future session.
    3. A CII metric on adverse weather and a cgHRS metric for cruise passenger ships were discussed, but not 
      agreed at this stage. 

       

  3. Ballast Water Management  
    1. Amendments to the BWM were finalised and agreed. Amendments to the BWM were finalised and agreed. Ships must now prove BWMS are working, maintained, and achieving D-2 standards, not just installed and type-approved. 
  4. Air Pollution Prevention
    1. A new ECA in the NE Atlantic was adopted for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter.
    2. Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to align it with the NOx Code for multiple engine operational profiles. 
  5. Oil Pollution Prevention
    1. Approval of a new MARPOL Annex I regulation 12A permitting an integrated bilge water treatment system and supporting guidance.
  6. New protected areas
    1. Agreed to the new Nasca Ridge (Peru) PSSA Associated Protective Measure.
    2. Considered an Arabian Sea PSSA and a Nasca Ridge MARPOL Special Area.