MEPC 83 Advances Climate and Biodiversity Protections
2025 Action Plan on Marine Litter, North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area, and new regulatory steps on carbon capture, biofouling, and invasive species among highlights
Maritime News, London : The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) has concluded with a suite of pivotal decisions aimed at strengthening environmental protection from shipping activities. As the maritime sector accelerates its transition to sustainability, the Committee outlined ambitious regulatory updates—many of which are expected to enter into force by 2027, following the adoption timeline under the MARPOL Convention.
Key MARPOL Guidelines Set for 2027 Implementation
MEPC 83 finalised the new regulatory guidelines, which, in accordance with MARPOL provisions, are anticipated to enter into force 16 months after adoption—by 2027. These cover a range of environmental safeguards, including carbon intensity reduction and emissions monitoring enhancements.
2025 Action Plan to Combat Marine Plastic Litter Adopted
The Committee adopted the 2025 Action Plan to tackle marine plastic pollution from ships—a long-standing concern for coastal and island nations. The plan outlines clear goals to eliminate plastic discharge at sea, improve port reception facilities, and implement education and monitoring programmes.
“This Action Plan signals our collective resolve to reduce the ocean’s growing burden of plastics and to support marine biodiversity,” said an IMO spokesperson.
New Environmental Control Zones and Sensitive Areas Identified
MEPC 83 took bold steps to expand protected marine zones:
- Approved a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic as a new Emission Control Area (ECA)—which will limit sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships.
- Agreed in principle to designate two Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) off the Pacific coast of South America, to guard ecologically and culturally significant marine ecosystems.
Carbon Capture and Invasive Species: Future-Proofing the Maritime Sector
MEPC 83 made headway on complex future-facing issues:
- Approved a draft work plan to develop a regulatory framework for Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) systems—viewed as a potential tool in decarbonising long-distance shipping.
- Approved a new output to develop a legally binding framework on biofouling management, targeting the spread of invasive aquatic species through ship hulls and structures.
These steps reflect the IMO’s dual focus on climate resilience and ecosystem integrity.
Improved Data Systems and Carbon Intensity Amendments
In a push for greater transparency and efficiency:
- The Committee approved draft amendments to regulation 27 of MARPOL Annex VI, improving accessibility of the IMO Data Collection System used for fuel consumption and emissions monitoring.
- Amendments were also adopted to the 2021 Guidelines on Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) reduction factors, to better align operational performance with decarbonisation targets.
A Global Maritime Sector on a Greener Course
The outcomes of MEPC 83 reflect growing global consensus around sustainable shipping, reinforcing the IMO’s role in balancing commerce with climate action.
With the 2027 implementation horizon in sight, maritime stakeholders—including shipowners, port authorities, environmental groups, and governments—are now tasked with preparing for rapid regulatory alignment, innovation in technology, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
“This is not just about regulation—it’s about future-proofing ocean industries,” noted a delegate from the Pacific Island nations, emphasizing the high stakes for vulnerable coastal states.
