The 81st session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) was held in person in London (18-22 March 2024) with hybrid facilities allowing remote participation. MEPC 81 agreed that the discussions to set up technical and economic mid-term measures to implement the Strategy will be developed through different channels. A dedicated GESAMP working group was established to provide best possible scientific and technical assessment of issues related to the implementation of LCA Guidelines. A GHG Expert-Workshop will lead the following works on the basket of mid-term measures (modelling the collecting and the distribution of revenues) in line with the CIA task force “without engaging policy discussions”. An outline of the “IMO net-zero framework” was drafted to integrate possible amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (new Chapter 5).

Relevant for ship owners and managers, equipment manufacturers and fuel suppliers.

Meeting highlights

Adopted amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention, the MARPOL Protocol I, and MARPOL Annex VI

Progressed the development of new greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures to achieve the ambitions of the GHG Strategy

Agreed to develop a working plan for a regulatory framework for on-board carbon capture systems

Approved proposals to designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas for nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM)

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