IMO Secretary General: 'We are on track'

The MEPC 82 agenda also includes a review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations, which have been instrumental in driving energy efficiency discussions across the maritime sector. Mr Dominguez encouraged MEPC 82 to use the review process to further improve these measures, ensuring they remain effective in enhancing energy efficiency and data transparency.

In addition, MEPC 82 will assess the findings from a comprehensive impact assessment of various policy combinations for mid-term GHG reduction measures.

The secretary general commended the commitment of all parties involved, including vice-chair Hanqiang Tan of Singapore, who moderated the impact assessment process.

Another area of focus at MEPC 82 is the ongoing effort to reduce marine plastic litter from ships.

MEPC 82 will review the IMO Action Plan on Marine Plastic Litter and advance work on reducing the environmental risks associated with transporting plastic pellets by sea. Delegates will also consider draft guidelines for cleaning up plastic pellet spills.

Mr Dominguez reminded delegates of the importance of these discussions, stating, "The issue of how to deal with marine plastic litter remains a priority."

Ship recycling is also on the agenda, with discussions centering on the Hong Kong Convention and the Basel Convention, two key international instruments governing the transboundary movement of ships intended for recycling.

Mr Dominguez urged member states to ratify the Hong Kong Convention, which will enter into force next year, and stressed the need to avoid regional regulations that are not suited for global application.

"We must continue supporting countries providing these services to enhance their compliance in the area of recycling," he said.

In a press briefing following the opening session of MEPC 82, Mr Dominguez addressed the progress made on developing a global GHG pricing mechanism, clarifying it is not a carbon levy, but a broader tool to support shipping’s decarbonisation.

"We have several proposals on the table, and my focus is always on the architecture of that measure," Mr Dominguez explained.

He remained confident a global pricing mechanism would be approved by MEPC 83, scheduled for 2025, despite ongoing debates among member states.

"We need to address the concerns being raised, especially from countries that require more support to meet these goals," he said.

One of the key challenges discussed at the press briefing was the divide between developing and developed nations regarding the economic burden of decarbonisation. While some developing nations are calling for exemptions, Mr Dominguez stressed these requests must be carefully considered to avoid negative impacts on trade and regional populations.

Mr Dominguez also addressed concerns about the timeline for meeting the IMO’s 2030 targets, particularly regarding adopting alternative fuels. Despite challenges in infrastructure development for renewable fuels, he remained optimistic about the industry’s ability to reach these targets.

"We are on track to meet the 2030 target because of the measures we already have in place," Mr Dominguez stated, highlighting the operational improvements and digitalisation efforts that are already increasing energy efficiency.

As MEPC 82 continues, the focus will remain on advancing the IMO’s ambitious environmental goals while addressing the complex geopolitical and economic challenges faced by the global shipping industry.

Noting the strong leadership from MEPC chair Harry Conway of Liberia and vice-chair Hanqiang Tan of Singapore, Secretary General Dominguez expressed confidence MEPC would achieve the objectives set for this session.

Reflecting on the ongoing negotiations and the collaborative spirit among member states, he said, "Multilateralism is beautiful when you can see it happening day in, day out."

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