'Kind of back on track': IMO agrees to continue negotiations on global emissions framework

As the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) concluded late on 1 May, following discussions that began on 27 April, the proposed Net-Zero Framework (NZF) remains under consideration, with further talks expected later this year.

“We’re kind of back on track, we need to rebuild trust,” IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said in his closing remarks, urging member states once again to talk to each other.

He pointed to wider convergence on the terms of reference for upcoming working groups, although divergence regarding the structure of the framework remains.

Member states agreed to hold the 85th session of MEPC from 30 November to 3 December, with 4 December reserved for an extraordinary session expected to determine the future of the regulation.

The IMO is also expected to convene two intersessional working groups on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships (ISWG-GHG) in September (session 22) and in the week preceding MEPC 85 (session 23).

According to a draft seen by Riviera, both working groups will examine how to address remaining concerns and issues related to the NZF and will submit written reports to MEPC 85.

The IMO had previously decided to adjourn last October’s extraordinary session until 2026.

Divergence remains over framework structure

International Chamber of Shipping Secretary-General Thomas Kazakos described this week’s discussions as constructive, “although it is clear that many member states are still unable to adopt a global regulatory framework unless further adjustments are made.”

“It is vital that governments move towards the adoption of a comprehensive, fit-for-purpose global framework as soon as possible to enable the industry to accelerate its transition to alternative energy sources,” he added.

He welcomed the decision to convene additional negotiations in September.

Intertanko, which represents independent tanker owners, said that while no decisive progress on a global decarbonisation framework was achieved this week, “there is still consensus” that such a framework is the only viable solution to meet ambitions while avoiding fragmentation.

“However, divergence remains on the actual form the framework will take,” the association added.

“It was therefore decided that additional intersessional work is needed to strengthen current proposals, facilitate focused discussions, and foster broader convergence ahead of the resumption of the MEPC extraordinary session.”