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IMO: MEPC ‘back on track’ towards consensus on global shipping emissions

MEPC 84 pledged to rebuild consensus on global shipping emissions, flagged risks in the Strait of Hormuz, and adopted new Northeast Atlantic air pollution measures.

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Friday (1 May) said the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) concluded its 84th session with a commitment to rebuild consensus on global shipping emissions, while sounding the alarm over environmental risks in the Strait of Hormuz and adopting new measures to curb air pollution in the Northeast Atlantic.

Closing the meeting, held from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “We are back on track, but we have to rebuild trust. I encourage you to maintain this momentum through your intersessional work and to prepare submissions that can bring the membership together.”

The Committee will resume its Second Extraordinary Session on Friday 4 December 2026, subject to confirmation by the 85th session (MEPC 85) scheduled to convene 30 November to 3 December. 

IMO Net Zero Framework 

Nearly 100 delegations took the floor this week to voice their views on the adoption of “mid-term measures” to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships – known as the IMO Net-Zero Framework – with multiple proposals tabled on how to take forward negotiations.

The Committee agreed to establish an intersessional Working Group to resolve various concerns and drive broader convergence on a global measure ahead of MEPC 85 in six months. Member States will be able to submit new amendments and adjustments to the draft amendments previously approved.

Two inter-sessional meetings will be scheduled (1 to 4 September and 23 to 27 November) ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November to 3 December), as well as a one-day expert workshop on “chain of custody” models, which track fuel origin and movement of fuels across the supply chain, ensuring emissions are properly traced and verified. 

The second extraordinary session of MEPC (adjourned last October) is scheduled to resume on 4 December, subject to discussions at MEPC 85.

Strait of Hormuz and the marine environment

The Committee adopted a resolution condemning the attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz region and the related risks of marine pollution.

The Committee recognised the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters, warning that these attacks could cause large-scale marine pollution such as oil, hazardous and noxious substances and hazardous residues arising from missiles, drones, fires and explosions. 

The Committee requested Secretary-General to monitor environmental impacts and report to the next IMO Council session.

New Emissions Control Area for the North-East Atlantic

The Committee adopted a new Emission Control Area (ECA) in the North-East Atlantic, introducing stricter emission limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). The entry into force date is set for 1 September 2027, with the ECA taking effect 12 months later in 2028.

The ECA covers the exclusive economic zones and territorial seas, extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines of Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Ireland, the mainlands of the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal.

Within ECAs, ships must use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10%. Cutting SOx and NOx emissions reduces risks of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and childhood asthma. It also improves visibility at sea and reduces acidification, helping protect crops and forests.

Note: The full summary of the session can be found here

 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 5 May, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

Dan-Bunkering supports Sallaum Lines with LNG bunkering operation in China

“Ocean Express” is one of six newbuilds in the series and represents the fourth supply opportunity Dan-Bunkering has supported so far.

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Dan-Bunkering supports Sallaum Lines with LNG bunkering operation in China

Global bunker supplier Dan-Bunkering on Friday (19 June) said it has recently concluded an LNG delivery in China for Sallaum Lines’ newbuild Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), Ocean Express

The delivery involved approximately 1,400 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG bunker fuel. 

This delivery is the outcome of a development process that began around April 2025, during which Dan-Bunkering worked with Sallaum Lines to evaluate several LNG supply opportunities in China linked to the company’s newbuild programme. 

Ocean Express is one of six newbuilds in the series and represents the fourth supply opportunity Dan-Bunkering has supported so far.

For this delivery, Dan-Bunkering said it secured a ship-to-ship supply solution aligned with the vessel’s operational requirements. The solution was made possible through close cooperation with supply partner SIPG Energy.

“This is a great example of what it takes to support clients in the transition to alternative fuels,” said James Shiller, Global Lead of New Fuels at Dan-Bunkering, and continues:

“LNG bunkering is not always straightforward, particularly during a first full bunker operation. Success depends on local knowledge and persistent cooperation across teams. Sallaum Lines trusted us and SIPG Energy to keep working the options, and we are proud that all involved teams turned a challenging situation into a successful delivery. We value the relationship and look forward to supporting their remaining newbuild deliveries.”

The company added that the delivery was made possible through close coordination across Dan-Bunkering and the wider Group, including Dan-Bunkering’s Netherlands office, Bunker Holding’s specialists and sourcing team.

 

Photo credit: Dan-Bunkering
Published: 22 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

Repsol launches commercial co-processed marine fuel supply in Algeciras

Firm said this marked the deployment of immediate solutions produced by integrating renewable content directly into conventional refinery processes.

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Repsol launches commercial co-processed marine fuel supply in Algeciras

Spanish energy company Repsol on Thursday (18 June) said it has started the commercial supply of co-processed marine fuels with renewable content in the port of Algeciras, one of the main bunkering hubs in the Mediterranean. 

The company said this marked the deployment of immediate solutions produced by integrating renewable content directly into conventional refinery processes, supporting the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

Last week, Repsol launched the first commercial voyage of its new generation bunkering vessel Bahía Candela. During this first voyage, the vessel loaded co-processed fuel at Repsol’s Petronor refinery in Bilbao, reinforcing the company’s end-to-end supply capability by integrating refining, logistics, and delivery.

Repsol reportedly chartered the bunkering vessel from shipowner Mureloil. 

Designed specifically for marine fuel supply, Bahía Candela features multiproduct capabilities and is prepared to operate with low-emission energy solutions. Its diesel-electric propulsion system and advanced energy storage enable optimised efficiency and reduced emissions during operations.

“This milestone marked Repsol’s entry into the supply of low-carbon marine fuels in Algeciras, leveraging its integrated value chain and expanding its multi-energy offering in the maritime sector, combining conventional products with low-carbon alternatives, thus, strengthening its ability to adapt to the diverse needs of its customers,” Repsol said in a statement. 

Co-processing enables the integration of renewable feedstocks, such as oils and residues, alongside conventional streams within refining processes. 

This generates fuels with a low-carbon footprint and supports a gradual transition towards solutions that will help to decarbonise the sector, providing a cost-efficient and scalable pathway to supply low-carbon fuels that are fully compatible with existing engines and infrastructure, without requiring changes to vessels or port assets, and using current industrial assets.

Related: Mureloil deploys hybrid chemical tanker for bunkering and terminal transport

 

Photo credit: Repsol
Published: 22 June, 2026

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Engine

Eight classification societies oversee successful TAT of Everllence ammonia engine

Everllence announced the successful Type Approval Test of its ME-LGIA ammonia-burning engine at its Research Centre Copenhagen.

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Eight classification societies oversee successful TAT of Everllence ammonia engine

Everllence recently announced the successful Type Approval Test (TAT) of its ME-LGIA ammonia-burning engine at its Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC). 

Eight classification societies oversaw the testing that took place from 10 to 12 June, marking the latest phase in the engine’s journey towards its market debut.  

Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, Everllence, said: “The TAT is yet another important step as we definitively move from concept development to seagoing engine operation. It confirms the Everllence B&W ME-LGIA as ready for on-board installation and is the last test before actual sea and gas trials. 

“This engine sets new benchmarks in zero-carbon propulsion and digitally connected performance, and has attracted great interest since its development was announced in 2019. It stands testament to Everllence’s unique ability to meet demands and bring innovative fuels to market.”

Everllence officially marketed the ME-LGIA engines at a two-day event in Copenhagen in November 2025. Using the Diesel principle and the well-known, dual-fuel Liquid Gas Injection concept, the engine has a proven track record of several hundred thousand operational hours.

Ole Pyndt Hansen, Senior Vice President, Head of Two-Stroke R&D, Everllence, said: “The TAT is also important in relation to maturing IMO ammonia regulations as it is vital that rules and guidelines are in line with reality to optimise safety onboard vessels. 

“This experience comes from industry and the first ammonia-driven ships, which are expected to operate at sea during 2026, will act as compelling input for the development of these guidelines.”

Everllence also noted that the ammonia TAT marked the end of an era with it being the final TAT at the RCC in Copenhagen before the company moves location to outside the city in late-2027.

 

Photo credit: Everllence
Published: 22 June, 2026

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