The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, opened the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) with a strong message addressing both geopolitical tensions and environmental priorities.
He began by drawing attention to the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a situation of “grave concern.” Thousands of seafarers, he noted, remain stranded aboard vessels in the Gulf, exposed to serious safety risks and significant psychological strain. He warned that the longer the situation persists, the greater the likelihood of major incidents, including environmental accidents, with far-reaching implications for global trade and food security.
Against this backdrop, Dominguez recalled the outcomes of the extraordinary IMO Council session held in March. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation, ensuring the safety of seafarers, and preventing maritime personnel from becoming collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts. He emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential to easing tensions, reaffirming the IMO’s role as the central forum for multilateral cooperation in international shipping.
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Efficiency
Shifting to the Committee’s core agenda, Dominguez underscored the urgency of advancing the IMO Net-Zero Framework for international shipping. He welcomed the progress made since last year’s extraordinary session, noting that recent submissions and discussions reflect a more constructive and informed exchange of views among Member States.
In particular, he highlighted progress on the technical components of the framework, including guidelines related to greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI), fuel certification, and life-cycle assessment. While acknowledging that work remains ongoing, he stressed that these developments provide a solid foundation for achieving globally harmonized reporting and effective implementation.
At the same time, he pointed to the importance of addressing the economic dimension of emissions reduction. Continued efforts, he said, are needed to build a shared understanding of what constitutes a “just and equitable transition” within the IMO context.
Encouraging a collaborative tone for the week ahead, Dominguez urged delegates to engage in constructive and pragmatic dialogue. He called for mutual listening, restraint in disagreements, and a focus on areas of convergence, stressing that the Committee has an opportunity to demonstrate effective multilateralism at a time of broader global tensions.
He also noted that IMO regulations are already delivering measurable results. According to fuel consumption data submitted to the session, the carbon intensity of international shipping has decreased by more than 38% compared to 2008 evidence, he said, that practical steps toward efficiency and emissions reduction are achievable.
Building on this progress, the Committee will review short-term measures, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator regulations, and examine emerging technologies such as onboard carbon capture, wind propulsion, and the monitoring of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, with the aim of providing greater regulatory clarity.
Beyond emissions, discussions will also address key environmental protection measures. On ballast water management, delegates are expected to consider amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention, alongside revised guidelines and further regulatory development. The session will also examine the establishment of a legally binding framework on ship biofouling.
In addition, the Committee will turn its attention to marine plastic pollution. Delegates are set to consider adopting the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, including proposals for a mandatory code governing the maritime transport of plastic pellets and measures to promote fishing gear marking systems.
Concluding his remarks, Dominguez expressed confidence in the Committee’s ability to deliver meaningful outcomes. He noted that, under the leadership of Chair Dr. Harry Conway of Liberia and Vice-Chair Mr. Hanqiang Tan of Singapore, the session is well-positioned to achieve its objectives.
The MEPC 84 session is scheduled to run from 27 April to 1 May 2026.
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