Port & Regulatory

IMO: Outcomes of Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83)

IMO releases a detailed meeting summary of MEPC which met for its 83rd session from 7 to 11 April 2025 including on IMO Net-zero Framework and North-East Atlantic Ocean Emissions Control Area.

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2025

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday (16 April) released a detailed meeting summary of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) which met for its 83rd session in person at IMO Headquarters in London from 7 to 11 April 2025.

The meeting approved the draft legal text for the IMO Net-Zero Framework, which is the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector.  The measures include a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.

These measures, set to be formally adopted in October 2025 before entry into force in 2027, will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of the total CO2 emissions from international shipping. 

MEPC 83 was preceded by the 19th meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 19), from 31 March to 1 April and the first meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency (ISWG-APEE 1), from 2 to 4 April.

MEPC 83 highlights:

Tackling climate change – Mid-term measures to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping approved
Review of the short-term GHG reduction measures – Phase 1 completed
Report on the annual carbon intensity and energy efficiency of the fleet
Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) and other energy efficiency matters
Addressing marine plastic litter – Action Plan approved
North-East Atlantic Ocean Emissions Control Area approved and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas off Peru agreed in principle
Review of the Ballast Water Management Convention – ongoing
Air pollution prevention – various developments
Amendments to NOx Technical Code adopted
Pollution prevention and response – actions taken
Reports from other Sub-Committees approved
New outputs approved – including development of a legally binding instrument on biofouling as well as assessment of the implementation of the Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention and development of amendments and clarifications as appropriate.

Tackling climate change – Mid-term measures to reduce GHG emissions approved

The Committee finalized and approved the draft legal text for the “IMO Net-Zero Framework”, to be included as a new chapter in Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI were circulated to Member States immediately after the meeting, with a view to adoption at an extra-ordinary session of MEPC in October 2025. (See Circular Letter: CL No.5005 – Draft Revised MARPOL Annex VI )

The IMO Net-Zero Framework includes a set of “mid-term measures” aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, in line with the reduction targets set out in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy. These measures consist of:

a technical element: a goal-based marine fuel standard designed to gradually lower the GHG intensity of marine fuels;
and an economic element: a pricing mechanism for maritime GHG emissions.

Following adoption, the measures are expected to enter into force 16 months later, under the “tacit acceptance” procedure, in accordance with the amendment provisions in MARPOL. (More details: IMO approves net-zero regulations for global shipping)

Food security

The Committee agreed that in the period between the adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework and its entry into force, further assessment (qualitative and quantitative, as appropriate) of the potential impacts of an increase in maritime transport costs on food security resulting from the adopted framework should be conducted. The Committee agreed to keep the potential impact on food security under continuous review.

Review of the short-term measure to reduce GHG emissions – Phase 1 completed

The Committee finalized Phase 1 of the review of IMO’s short-term GHG reduction measures, which were adopted in 2021 and entered into force in 2022. Key elements of the short-term measures include: Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), enhanced Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating scheme. The measures aim to improve ship energy efficiency and reduce carbon intensity by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 2008.

The review of the effectiveness of the short-term measures began in July 2023 (MEPC 80). Under Phase 1, the Committee gathered data from Member States about their experience implementing the short-term measures, analyzed this data and identified a list of challenges and/or gaps. At MEPC 83, the Committee took the following actions:

Carbon intensity (CII) reduction factors for 2027-2030 – amendments adopted

The Committee adopted amendments to the 2021 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity reduction factors relative to reference lines (CII reduction factors guidelines, G3). These Guidelines outline the methods for determining the annual operational carbon intensity reduction factors and their values from 2023 to 2030 (indicating how much carbon intensity need to be reduced by ships over this period to meet targets), as referred to in Regulation 28 of MARPOL Annex VI. The amendments include newly defined CII reduction factors for 2027 to 2030.

Access to the IMO Data Collection System for ship fuel consumption – amendments approved

The Committee approved draft amendments to Regulation 27 of MARPOL Annex VI to make the IMO’s data collection system (IMO DCS) on ship fuel consumption more accessible to the public. The IMO DCS requires ships to record and report their fuel oil consumption, which is then used to calculate ships’ operational carbon intensity (CII). The amendments will ensure that all reported data in the IMO DCS are accessible to Parties to Annex VI, in a non-anonymized form. An anonymized database (i.e., identification of a specific ship will not be possible) will be made accessible to public users.

Workplan for Phase 2 of the review of short-term GHG reduction measures agreed

The Committee agreed on a work plan for Phase 2 of the review of the short-term GHG reduction measures, to run from Spring 2026 to Spring 2028. Phase 2 will look at enhancing the SEEMP framework, further developing CII metrics, as well as ensuring synergies between the IMO carbon intensity/energy efficiency framework and the IMO Net-Zero Framework.

Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) framework – amendments adopted

The Committee adopted Amendments to the 2024 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) (resolution MEPC.395(82)), to allow the possible development of other CII metrics at future MEPC sessions, as envisaged in the work plan for the review of the short-term GHG reduction measures.

Report on the annual carbon intensity and efficiency of the fleet

The Committee noted the report by the IMO Secretariat on the carbon intensity of the international shipping fleet for the year 2023 (both demand- and supply-based), including a summary of carbon intensity developments of the fleet from 2019 to 2023. The report showed reductions in the carbon intensity of shipping ranging from 4.8% to 9.9% (depending on the method of calculation) from 2019 to 2023, and a decrease in total fuel consumption from 213 million tonnes in 2019 to 211 million tonnes in 2023.

The report also indicated that, compared to 2008 levels, the average carbon intensity of shipping in 2023 has fallen by 31.0% (calculated based on supply measurement) and by 36.5% (based on demand measurement). Download the report here.

North-East Atlantic Ocean Emissions Control Area approved and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas off Peru agreed in principle

The Committee approved a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic Ocean as an Emissions Control Area for Sulphur oxide emissions (SOX), particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide emissions (NOX). The associated draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI will be submitted to the extraordinary MEPC session in October 2025, with a view to adoption as part of the revised MARPOL Annex VI.

The Committee agreed in principle to the designation of the “Reserva Nacional Dorsal de Nasca” (Nasca Ridge National Reserve) and the “Reserva Nacional Mar Tropical de Grau” (Grau Tropical Sea National Reserve) as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs). The Committee invited Peru to further develop the proposed associated protective measures and submit them to MEPC for consideration and approval at MEPC 84.

Note: The full meeting summary of MEPC 83 can be viewed here.

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 17 April, 2025

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai.

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers.

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation.

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator.

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations.

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post.

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity.

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said.

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term.

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

Milestone

GCMD: Project CAPTURED achieves two regulatory milestones for onboard captured CO2

CO2 captured onboard during the project has been formally recognised for compliance under the EU ETS while a proposal submitted to MEPC 84, based on the project, has received IMO’s in-principle support.

Published

10 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Admin

Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Wednesday (21 July) said Project CAPTURED has achieved two regulatory milestones that strengthen the commercial case for onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS).

This comes following its world’s first demonstration of an end-to-end value chain for onboard captured and liquefied CO2 (LCO2).

Completed in June 2025, the pilot showed that CO2 captured onboard a vessel can be offloaded ship-to-ship, transported overland and permanently bound through carbon mineralisation—a process that converts captured CO₂ into stable materials for industrial use.

The CO2 captured onboard during Project CAPTURED has been formally recognised for compliance under the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This means the verified tonnage of captured CO2 can be deducted from emissions requiring the surrender of EU Allowances (EUAs).

To qualify for this recognition, the CO2 must be chemically bound permanently in eligible products. Project CAPTURED demonstrated that CO2 captured onboard vessels can meet this requirement through carbon mineralisation.

The data and learnings from the same demonstration formed the basis of a proposal submitted to MEPC 84. This proposal received in-principle support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for recognising carbon mineralisation as a form of permanent CO₂ storage.

Complementing geological sequestration, which is already accepted by the IMO, this recognition broadens the downstream options for CO2 captured onboard vessels, and supports the development of maritime carbon value chains. Beyond providing a permanent storage pathway, carbon mineralisation also creates the potential for captured CO2 to serve not only as a waste stream requiring permanent storage, but also as a feedstock for industrial applications through carbon mineralisation, extending emissions reductions beyond the shipping value chain.

Professor Lynn Loo, CEO, GCMD, said, “Project CAPTURED has moved OCCS beyond technical demonstration. The acceptance of the EU ETS deduction gives captured CO₂ a compliance value. At the same time, IMO’s in-principle support for carbon mineralisation will help clarify how captured CO2 can be treated after it leaves the vessel. Together, these milestones turn a pilot into a verified reference case for maritime carbon logistics, one that links regulatory recognition, commercial value and emissions impact.”

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 22 July, 2026