The 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) is underway from September 30 to October 4, bringing together representatives from around the world to address critical environmental issues under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mandate.

A major focus of the discussions is on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. This issue has gained significant momentum, with a clear majority of 39 countries, including strong support from African nations such as Ethiopia, Malawi, and Namibia, advocating for a global GHG levy.

This growing consensus brings the IMO closer to adopting the world’s first universal carbon pricing mechanism for international polluters. Such a measure is crucial for speeding up the shipping industry’s transition to clean energy and ensuring that revenue from the levy is distributed equitably to climate-vulnerable states.

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need for compromise and a focus on solutions during ongoing negotiations to cut down greenhouse gases emissions from ships.

He stated, “As we approach the final sessions of the Committee before a decision is made next autumn, I urge you to concentrate on our key objectives: identifying areas for compromise, addressing concerns as we progress in this transition, and seeking solutions that are acceptable to all.”

To accelerate progress towards net-zero shipping by around 2050, the IMO plans to adopt a new set of binding mid-term GHG reduction measures in late 2025.

At MEPC 82, progress is expected on the draft legal text that will mandate these measures, including a global fuel standard and a global pricing mechanism for GHG emissions from shipping.

These will be incorporated into international law, building on the work of the Intersessional Working Group on GHG Emissions (ISWG-GHG 17), which met ahead of MEPC 82 to consolidate draft amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex VI).

MARPOL, Annex VI, is based on inputs from IMO member states and will serve as the basis for discussions this week. It will not preempt potential future changes to its content or structure as deliberations continue. MARPOL remains the key international convention governing preventing marine pollution by ships, whether from operational or accidental causes.

In addition to GHG emissions, MEPC 82 will address other pressing issues such as ship energy efficiency, marine plastic litter, ballast water management, air pollution prevention, and underwater noise.

Secretary-General Dominguez underscored the importance of unity in these discussions, reminding participants, “It is important to remember that we all share the same goals here at IMO.”