The International Maritime Organization continues to advance its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) marked further progress in this effort, laying important groundwork for fuel standards, life-cycle emissions and implementation guidelines.

However, member states were unable to reach agreement on key elements of the IMO’s net-zero framework—particularly on economic instruments and the proposed net-zero fund.

Positions remain divided: while some countries are pushing for swift adoption, others favor a more gradual, market-driven transition. As a result, no consensus could be achieved at this stage.

The process will now move forward in working groups, with additional meetings scheduled ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November – 3 December). At present, it appears unlikely that the IMO will establish a clear framework such as the Net Zero Framework before the end of the year.

One notable MEPC outcome that has received relatively little attention is the establishment of a new emission control area (ECA) for sulphur and nitrogen oxides in the North-East Atlantic. This creates the largest ECA to date, linking existing zones in North America, the North Sea and the Mediterranean. It represents a meaningful step forward for climate protection and sends a strong signal to technology providers that have invested in solutions and are now ready to support their customers.