Dear SYBAss member,
the 84th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) took place in London from April 27 to May 1, 2026. During this session, while no agreement was reached on the Net Zero Framework, the MEPC reinforced the direction of travel toward a globally applicable, consensus-based framework, with confirmation that further work will continue intersessionally. At the same time, MEPC 84 delivered concrete regulatory outcomes on air pollution and energy efficiency, life cycle GHG assessment, ballast water management, new Emission Control Areas.
Major takeaways could be summarized as follows:
- Net‑Zero Framework: MEPC agreed to continue consideration of the NZF and alternative proposals on an intersessional basis ahead of MEPC 85.
- Fifth IMO GHG Study: MEPC approved the Terms of Reference for the Study which will update global GHG inventories and projections, supporting review of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
- Life‑Cycle GHG Assessment: Committee progressed work on the IMO LCA framework, including default emission factors, fuel pathway developments, and methodological treatment of carbon capture technologies.
- Energy Efficiency and Air Pollution: MEPC adopted amendments and guidelines related to IMO DCS accessibility, EEDI/EEXI, and emissions measurement and monitoring.
- Onboard Carbon Capture: Committee advanced draft guidelines on the testing, approval, survey and certification of onboard carbon capture systems.
- Ballast Water Management: MEPC approved draft amendments to the BWM Convention, enhancing requirements on system operation, maintenance and certification.
- New Emission Control Areas: Committee adopted the NE Atlantic Emission Control Area.
Note that the presented information reflects the status at the time of MEPC 84 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.