The International Maritime Organization is continuing to work on its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 84th session of the MEPC further advanced this process. Important foundations were laid for fuel standards, life cycle emissions and implementation guidelines, among other things. However, the member states were unable to reach an agreement on central elements of the IMO net-zero framework, in particular on economic measures and the proposed net-zero fund.

Positions remain divided: While some states are calling for rapid adoption, others are arguing for a gradual, more market-based transition. It was therefore not possible to reach an agreement at this stage.

The process will now continue and negotiations will continue in working groups. Corresponding meetings have been scheduled in the run-up to MEPC 85 (November 30 - December 3). However, it is considered unlikely that the IMO will agree on a clear framework such as the Net Zero Framework before the end of this year.

One important MEPC decision that has received little public attention is the new emission control area (ECA) for sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions in the North-East Atlantic. This creates the largest ECA zone to date, linking the existing zones in North America, the North Sea and the Mediterranean. This is a significant step forward for climate protection and an important signal for the technology providers who have invested in recent years and now have the necessary solutions for their customers.

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