Image for representation purposes only Marine Environment Protection Committee “back on track” towards consensus on global shipping emissions The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded its 84th session with a commitment to rebuild consensus on global shipping emissions, while sounding the alarm over environmental risks in the Strait of Hormuz and adopting new measures to curb air pollution in the Northeast Atlantic. Closing the meeting, held from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “We are back on track, but we have to rebuild trust. I encourage you to maintain this momentum through your intersessional work and to prepare submissions that can bring the membership together.” The Committee will resume its Second Extraordinary Session on Friday 4 December 2026, subject to confirmation by the 85th session (MEPC 85) scheduled to convene 30 November to 3 December. IMO Net Zero Framework Nearly 100 delegations took the floor this week to voice their views on the adoption of “mid-term measures” to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships – known as the IMO Net-Zero Framework – with multiple proposals tabled on how to take forward negotiations. The Committee agreed to establish an intersessional Working Group to resolve various concerns and drive broader convergence on a global measure ahead of MEPC 85 in six months. Member States will be able to submit new amendments and adjustments to the draft amendments previously approved. Two inter-sessional meetings will be scheduled (1 to 4 September and 23 to 27 November) ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November to 3 December), as well as a one-day expert workshop on “chain of custody” models, which track fuel origin and movement of fuels across the supply chain, ensuring emissions are properly traced and verified. The second extraordinary session of MEPC (adjourned last October) is scheduled to resume on 4 December, subject to discussions at MEPC 85. Strait of Hormuz and the marine environment The Committee adopted a resolution condemning the attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz region and the related risks of marine pollution. The Committee recognised the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters, warning that these attacks could cause large-scale marine pollution such as oil, hazardous and noxious substances and hazardous residues arising from missiles, drones, fires and explosions. The Committee requested Secretary-General to monitor environmental impacts and report to the next IMO Council session. New Emissions Control Area for the North-East Atlantic The Committee adopted a new Emission Control Area (ECA) in the North-East Atlantic, introducing stricter emission limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). The entry into force date is set for 1 September 2027, with the ECA taking effect 12 months later in 2028. The ECA covers the exclusive economic zones and territorial seas, extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines of Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Ireland, the mainlands of the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal. Within ECAs, ships must use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10%. Cutting SOx and NOx emissions reduces risks of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and childhood asthma. It also improves visibility at sea and reduces acidification, helping protect crops and forests. 2026 Str