Dear SYBAss member,
The 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee was held at the IMO in London from 7 to 11 April 2025. MEPC 83 approved the “Net-Zero Framework” regulations for global shipping. Draft regulations will set mandatory marine fuel standard and GHG emissions pricing for shipping to address climate change.
.Major MEPC 83 highlights could be summarised as follows:
- Amendments to the NOx TC 2008 regarding the certification of an existing engine subject to substantial modification;
- Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code 2008 on the use of multiple engine operational profiles (MEOPs);
- Amendments to the 2021 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity reduction factors relative to reference lines (CII reduction factors guidelines, G3);
- Amendments to the 2024 Guidelines for Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP);
- Approved Guidelines for test-bed and onboard measurements of methane (CH4) and/or nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from marine diesel engines;
- Approved amendments of MARPOL Annex VI (chapter 5- “Net Zero IMO Framework”);
- Approved Guidelines for management of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database;
- Approved work plan for the review of the short-term GHG reduction measures;
- Approved the North-East Atlantic ECA (SOx, NOx and PM);
- Approved the Guidance on in-water cleaning of ships’ biofouling;
- Approved the draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships.
The following notes are a summary of the relevant topics and outcomes discussed. Note that the presented information reflects the status at the time of MEPC 83 which may change as a result of ongoing developments. It is also uncertain at this time whether the mentioned amendments or new regulations will eventually be adopted in future versions of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Codes or other flag codes.
Best regards
Lorenzo Pollicardo
Technical & Environmental Director