International Maritime Organization, Marine Environment Protection Committee
Dates:
June 6, 2022
–June 10, 2022
Location:
Virtual
Description:
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) addresses environmental issues under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) remit. This includes the control and prevention of ship-source pollution covered by the MARPOL treaty, including oil, chemicals carried in bulk, sewage, garbage and emissions from ships, including air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Other matters covered include ballast water management, anti-fouling systems, ship recycling, pollution preparedness and response, and identification of special areas and particularly sensitive sea areas. As one of its core focal areas, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is committed to cutting GHG emissions from ships. Mandatory energy efficiency measures were first adopted in 2011 and have been strengthened since The Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Shipping was adopted in 2018, setting out a clear pathway towards decarbonization of international shipping. In 2021 IMO adopted the "short-term measure" to reduce ships' carbon intensity in accordance with the timelines set out in the Initial IMO GHG Strategy. At the 78th session of the MEPC in June 2022, the IMO will consider a set of guidelines to support the implementation of these short-term measures to reduce GHG emissions from shipping.
