The International Maritime Organization has signaled renewed movement in negotiations on cutting emissions from global shipping, following the conclusion of the 84th session of its Marine Environment Protection Committee in London from 27 April to 1 May 2026. Delegates from nearly 100 countries returned to discussions on proposed mid-term measures under the IMO Net-Zero Framework, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas output from ships.
Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said progress depends on restoring cooperation among member states after earlier divisions slowed decision-making. The Committee agreed to continue negotiations through an intersessional working group and scheduled additional meetings in September and November ahead of its next formal session. Governments will be able to submit revised proposals to address unresolved differences on emissions measures.
The meeting also addressed security-related environmental risks in the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels, warning that incidents involving oil, hazardous substances, or explosions could cause serious marine pollution in the Persian Gulf and nearby waters. The Secretariat was asked to monitor the situation and report on environmental impacts.
In a separate decision, the Committee approved a new Emission Control Area in the Northeast Atlantic. The zone will apply stricter limits on sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions from ships operating in waters near several European countries. The regulation is set to enter into force in September 2027 and take effect in 2028, requiring ships to use low-sulphur fuel and meet tighter emission standards.
The Committee also adopted a 2026 strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships, maintaining a target of zero plastic discharge into the sea by 2030. The plan includes improvements to waste reception facilities, stronger compliance measures, and expanded training and cooperation among member states. Work will also begin on a mandatory code for transporting plastic pellets, which are a source of marine pollution when lost at sea.
Additional actions included updates to ballast water management rules to reduce the spread of invasive aquatic species and revised guidelines for ship operations. The Committee continued its work on reducing underwater noise from vessels, with plans to extend research efforts and consider future regulatory steps.
New areas of work were agreed, including measures to prohibit ozone-depleting substances on ships, address environmental issues linked to autonomous vessels, and support international efforts to protect marine biodiversity. While no final agreement was reached on emissions rules, discussions are set to continue in the coming months.
