The International Maritime Organization (IMO) opened the second extraordinary session of its Marine Environment Protection Committee in London, with Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urging delegates to continue their work toward implementing the IMO Net-Zero Framework.
In his opening address, Dominguez noted that member states have been debating how to convert the strategic objectives of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy into binding regulations.
He said that the recently approved IMO Net-Zero Framework, which will take effect in 2027, represents a balanced foundation despite differing views among states on the level of ambition and the burden on the shipping sector.
Some member states consider the greenhouse gas intensity (GFI) reduction requirements too demanding, while others see them as insufficient to address global warming.
Dominguez acknowledged concerns about the availability of alternative fuels and the need for additional support to developing countries and early adopters.
He warned that without global regulations, the energy and digital transition in shipping could lead to fragmented regional and national climate measures, increasing long-term costs and undermining investment confidence.
The IMO Net-Zero Framework, he said, is goal-based and does not exclude any specific fuels or technologies as compliance options.
IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. It sets global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. The organization’s headquarters are in London, United Kingdom, and its decisions are made by member states through committees such as the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is one of IMO’s main committees and is responsible for addressing environmental issues related to shipping, including marine pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy efficiency measures. Its sessions result in binding international regulations under IMO conventions.
