Opening of the 83rd MEPC Session: Key Decisions Ahead

The Committee faces a number of decisions on environmental standards for maritime vessels – choices that will shape the course of international shipping up to 2050.

1. Multilateral negotiations are to continue on the implementation of the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG emissions from Ships. The Committee is expected to finalize a set of amendments to the MARPOL Convention with new technical and economic (market-based) requirements aimed at decarbonizing international shipping.
2. Following deliberations by the Intersessional Working Group on Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency, the Committee seeks to finalize amendments to the MARPOL Convention, incorporating updated operational carbon intensity regulations.
3. Amendments to the NOx Technical Code will be considered for adoption, addressing certification requirements for both retrofitted marine diesel engines and engines with multiple operational profiles.
4. Further enhancements to the 2004 International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments will be pursued. Drawing from operational experience, the Committee is expected to establish clear objectives and guidelines for revising the Convention.
5. Participants intend to evaluate proposals for establishing new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and Special Areas, a key consideration being the potential designation of a North-East Atlantic Ocean ECA for Sulphur Oxides (SOx), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, encompassing the exclusive economic zones of Iceland, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
6. Work will advance on addressing underwater radiated noise emissions from ships, including a review of new scientific research presented by Member States and international organizations to guide mitigation strategies.
7. The Committee aims to approve the revised Action Plan and Strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships, with particular emphasis on plastic pellets and discarded fishing gear.

RS experts will to join the Committee’s plenary discussions and working groups, aimed at contributing expert-level discussions on proposed marine vessel requirements and recommendations.

Stay informed about the meeting outcomes through RS news updates. A comprehensive report will be published under the section "International Activity" - "Results of sessions of the IMO bodies" on the official RS website.

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively implementing the concept "More than class" by expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys and certification. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.