The central question is whether the IMO’s 176 member states can reach an agreement that aligns with the organization’s 2023 climate strategy and ensures that international shipping becomes climate neutral by or around 2050.
The negotiations, taking place at the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), mark the culmination of several years of intensive technical and diplomatic efforts to steer global shipping towards climate neutrality.
If the member states succeed in agreeing on an ambitious deal that can deliver on the goals of the 2023 climate strategy, it will represent a historic achievement for the IMO — especially in light of the uncertainty currently affecting international cooperation in many other areas.
Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority, Brian Wessel:
The coming days will be critical in defining the final key elements of the climate regulation. Now is the time to finalize the right technical details and figures, ensuring the regulation delivers on the goals of the IMO’s 2023 climate strategy for climate-neutral shipping by 2050 and sets the necessary framework for the green transition of the sector. It is also essential that the regulation creates strong incentives for both the production and use of green fuels. Denmark is working actively to maintain a high level of ambition and to ensure that the final components of the regulation support a transition that delivers real climate impact and ensures an equitable transition that includes all countries.
If the regulation is finalized, it will need to be formally adopted at an extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee in October.
In addition to climate regulation, other important agenda items at MEPC 83 include energy efficiency and amendments to the NOx Technical Code on nitrogen oxide emissions from ships.
Review of Short-Term Measures
During MEPC 83, the review of IMO’s energy efficiency measures continues, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Annual targets for carbon reduction for ships in the period 2027–2030 are to be determined. Additionally, the Committee will discuss how IMO can improve and address challenges associated with the CII regulation as part of the second phase of the review.
Amendments to the NOx Technical Code
MEPC 83 will also consider approving amendments to the NOx Technical Code. These changes aim to ensure compliance with emission limits for engines with more than one operating profile—referred to as Multi Engine Operating Profile (MEOP). Denmark has been among the active countries in these negotiations.
The amendments must be approved at MEPC 83 in order to be formally adopted at a special session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC ES.2) in October 2025.