The eighty-fourth session of IMO MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE (MEPC 84) will meet from 27 April to Friday 1 May 2026.
Key Topics
The key topics that will be discussed at MEPC 83 and may be of interest to Members include:
- Ballast Water Management
- Air Emissions/GHG Reduction
- Energy Efficiency of Ships
- Fuel Quality-Quantity/Sulphur Limits
- Biofouling/In-water cleaning
Although not part of INTERCARGO’s work program, the following topics will also be discussed and INTERCARGO Secretariat will endeavour to follow the discussions:
- Scrubbers
- Black Carbon/HFO in the Arctic
- Underwater Noise
- Ship Recycling/Hong Kong Convention
INTERCARGO’s submissions can be viewed here https://www.intercargo.org/intercargo-submissions-to-imo-in-2026/
Executive summary
MEPC 84 will be primarily shaped by negotiations on the IMO Net-Zero Framework, which remains the central and most politically sensitive issue. While technical work has progressed, significant divisions persist regarding both the structure and level of ambition—particularly on the fuel standard (GFI) and the inclusion of economic measures such as a levy or fund.
A number of key submissions illustrate the breadth of positions:
