MEPC 84: Progress made, but no agreement reached

As an NGO at the International Maritime Organization, CIMAC’s role is to contribute practical and technical solutions in support of the IMO processes, respecting any direction ultimately taken by Member States. This readiness to support implementation with technical expertise is one of the core reasons for our presence at the IMO.

The 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) advanced discussions on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, building on the technical progress achieved at ISWG-GHG 21. While important groundwork was laid on fuel intensity standards, lifecycle emissions, and implementation guidelines, Member States did not reach agreement on key elements of the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including economic measures and the proposed Net-Zero Fund. Positions remained divided between those advocating for swift adoption and those favoring a more gradual, market-based transition, preventing consensus at this stage.

It was agreed that the process goes ahead. Negotiations will continue through intersessional working groups, with meetings scheduled for September and November ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November – 3 December). A tentative resumption of the extraordinary session (MEPC/ES.2) is planned for 4 December. However, it is unlikely that the IMO will agree on a clear framework like the NZF in 2026.

“The industry is ready to deliver the technologies needed for shipping’s transition, but progress depends on clear direction and regulatory certainty. Continued uncertainty risks slowing deployment at a time when acceleration is essential. CIMAC remains committed to supporting a practical and effective transition and calls for timely decisions that provide the clarity needed to turn ambition into implementation,” said Leo Budicin who attended the meeting on behalf of CIMAC.

In its statement submitted to IMO, CIMAC welcomed the opportunity to contribute and acknowledged the ongoing efforts toward an international regulatory framework. The association warned that regulatory uncertainty continues to weigh on the maritime value chain. The industry has already invested heavily in technologies for new fuels, CIMAC said, but a lack of clarity delays large scale deployment and risks slowing innovation, emissions reductions and industrial development at a critical moment. CIMAC stressed that manufacturers stand ready to deliver solutions.

A very important agreement of MEPC went almost unnoticed in the public unfortunately, due to the controversial discussions on NZF: A new ECA zone (emission control area for sulfur and nitric oxide emissions) was agreed for the northeast Atlantic. With this, the biggest ECA zone comes into effect and interconnects the existing zones in North America, the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. “This is a big step ahead for the environment” said Christoph Rofka, CIMAC Vice President Communication, “and it is an important signal for the technology providers who have invested in the recent years and have the necessary technology available for their customers”, he added.