MEPC 84: What is at Stake in London and What it Means for African Shipping 

Published by pacificusnautical.com

April 2026

MEPC 84: What is at Stake in London and What it Means for 

African Shipping

The 84th session of the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) is now underway in London, chaired by Dr. Harry Conway of Liberia, with Mr. Hanqiang Tan of Singapore as Vice-Chair [1]. As the first full session following the adjournment of the Net-Zero Framework (NZF) at MEPC/ES.2 in October 2025, this meeting carries significant implications for the future of maritime environmental regulation—and particularly for African stakeholders.

The Current Context

MEPC 84 convenes amid continued divergence over the IMO Net-Zero Framework. The framework, approved at MEPC 83 in April 2025, was set for adoption at MEPC/ES.2 but was postponed for one year following a vote of 57 in favor, 49 against, and 21 abstentions [2]. The United States has since submitted a letter calling for the outright cancellation of the October 2026 extraordinary session, arguing the NZF would have "dire economic consequences" and that the IMO should not become a "global climate bank" [3]. European states, meanwhile, continue to defend the framework's carbon-pricing core [4].

Key Agenda Items Under Active Negotiation

1. The Net-Zero Framework: Finding a Path Forward

Under Agenda Item 7, the Committee is considering 57 documents related to GHG emissions reduction, with a Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships expected to be established during the session [1]. Agenda Item 14 addresses options for resuming MEPC/ES.2, anticipated for October or November 2026 [5][2].

The Intersessional Working Group on GHG Emissions (ISWG-GHG 21) met from 20–24 April 2026 and is reporting to MEPC 84 on technical guidelines for NZF implementation, the LCA framework, and terms of reference for the 5th IMO GHG Study [1]. However, these technical discussions proceed without prejudice to any future decision on NZF adoption [6].

2. MARPOL Annex VI Amendments

The Committee is considering for adoption draft amendments including

• North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area: Designation as an ECA for NOx, SOx, and particulate matter [1][7]

• IMO Data Collection System: Clarification of reporting entries and enhanced public accessibility of ship fuel consumption data [1]

• Engine operational profiles: Definitions and IAPP Certificate updates for marine diesel engines with multiple operational profiles [1]

• Volatile organic compounds: Requirements for new crude oil tankers to install pressure-vacuum devices [7]

3. Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency

The Committee is expected to note 2024 fuel oil consumption data and fleet carbon intensity reports [1]. Phase 2 of the short-term measure review (EEXI, SEEMP, CII) is being initiated, with consideration of enhanced SEEMP frameworks, revised CII metrics, and wind propulsion calculations [1].

Draft 2026 Guidelines for methane and nitrous oxide emissions measurement from marine engines are also on the agenda for finalization [1].

4. Marine Plastic Litter

The draft 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships is expected for adoption, targeting zero plastic waste discharges by 2030 [1]. The Committee is also considering a recommendation to develop a mandatory code for plastic pellet transport in freight containers under MARPOL Annex III and/or SOLAS [1].

5. Ballast Water Management

A package of amendments to the BWM Convention is expected for approval following the experience-building phase review, alongside revised Guidelines for ballast water management plans (G4) [1].

African Positions and Submissions

Several African and Africa-relevant submissions are before the Committee:

• DRC, Ghana, and Togo have submitted proposals on Net-Zero Fund governance and operational frameworks [2]

• Algeria has co-sponsored a submission with other oil-producing states on principles for safeguarding international trade and energy security during transition [2]

• Liberia, as chair of the session and a major flag state, has shifted from prior NZF support to calling for framework revision alongside Panama—a significant development given Liberia's status as one of the world's largest registries [8]

Strategic Implications for African Maritime Stakeholders

For Ship Owners and Operators

The CII rating scheme is becoming increasingly commercially consequential. Document MEPC 84/6/8 indicates that ballast water management operations can negatively impact operational CII, potentially resulting in D or E ratings that affect certificates and Statements of Compliance [2]. With Phase 2 review now underway, operators should anticipate more stringent requirements through 2030.

For Port Authorities and Bunkering Hubs

The fuel availability criteria under discussion require alternative fuels to be accessible across major maritime regions including Africa [2]. The current state of alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure across the continent remains concentrated in limited hubs. Ports that do not advance green ammonia, methanol, or hydrogen readiness risk competitive disadvantage as charterers increasingly prioritize emissions performance.

For Policymakers and Regulators

The CBDR-RC versus NMFT tension remains unresolved. African delegations must navigate this while building technical capacity for IMO engagement. The delay in NZF adoption provides additional time for national maritime energy strategies and port development planning, but the direction of regulatory travel is clear.

What to Watch This Week

• Working Group outcomes on GHG reduction measures and NZF resumption options

• Adoption decisions on MARPOL Annex VI amendments, particularly the North-East Atlantic ECA

• Finalization of methane/nitrous oxide measurement guidelines

• Adoption of the 2026 Marine Plastic Litter Strategy

• Indications of whether MEPC/ES.2 will proceed as scheduled for October/November 2026

Conclusion

MEPC 84 is not expected to resolve the fundamental NZF disagreements that led to last October's adjournment. However, the session is advancing technical foundations and providing clarity on the path toward the extraordinary session resumption. For African maritime stakeholders, the imperative remains unchanged: decarbonization is inevitable, and the window for strategic preparation continues to narrow.

The Committee's report and outcomes will be considered on Friday, 1 May 2026 [1].