Green Award

© IMO – International Maritime Organization

Your collective efforts have yielded progress this week, resulting in a number of achievements that will shape the future of shipping.

With these words, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez closed the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), held from April 7 to 11, 2025, where important decisions were made that will shape the future of maritime sustainability. Here’s a look at the main highlights: 

Stronger rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions 

MEPC 83 has approved medium-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the aim of significantly reducing emissions from ships by 2050. Following an unusual formal vote (63 countries in favor, 16 against), the proposed amendments to MARPOL Annex VI are expected to be formally adopted in October 2025 and enter into force by March 1, 2027.

Ships above 5,000 gross tons will have to comply with new certification and performance reporting requirements based on their Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI). A system of credits, shortfalls and a central GFI registry will manage compliance – bringing a carbon market-style mechanism to shipping.

Rewarding greener choices 

The new regulations encourage the use of fuels and technologies with near-zero GHG emissions. Ships using fuels with very low GFI scores will be eligible for financial incentives, providing real economic benefits for making sustainable energy choices.

Improving data transparency 

MEPC 83 adopted amendments that will improve access to marine fuel oil consumption data from 2027. Recognized organizations and all parties to MARPOL Annex VI will have full access for analysis purposes, while anonymized data sets will be made publicly available, a major step toward greater transparency in the industry.

Broader environmental efforts

In addition to carbon emissions measures, the Committee approved steps to:

• Develop a legally binding framework to control biofouling (the buildup of aquatic organisms on ship hulls) to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Initiate work on reducing underwater radiated noise (URN) to minimize the impact of ship noise on marine life.
• Update rules for safer and more environmentally sound ship recycling (implementation of the Hong Kong Convention).

Pioneering new technologies

MEPC 83 formally launched the development of a regulatory framework for on-board carbon capture and storage (OCCS). This would allow ships to capture and store carbon emissions directly on board, providing a new tool to reduce the sector’s footprint.

Fighting plastic pollution

The 2025 Action Plan to combat marine plastic litter was adopted, targeting both shipping and fishing industries. Efforts will focus on reducing plastic loss at sea, improving port reception facilities and raising public awareness of marine plastic pollution.

Looking ahead, MEPC 83 marks a critical turning point for global shipping. By building consensus, investing in new technologies and committing to transparent practices, the maritime industry is taking a step closer to a greener, more sustainable future.