Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE IMO SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 82nd SESSION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE (MEPC 82), 30 September to 4 October 2024

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 4 October 2024

Chair, distinguished delegates,

We have reached the end of another busy but productive session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, during which you have once again achieved substantial progress, with several notable accomplishments.

I want to begin by commending the constructive atmosphere at this session- it has also been a very friendly one - it has allowed us to identify further areas of convergence on defining the legal framework for the IMO Net Zero Framework, that will effectively guide the next round of dialogue. I am grateful for the spirit of compromise and commitment you have demonstrated throughout the last two weeks.

Delegates,

In the course of this week you have all said that there is a lot of work to be done. I am here at meetings not just because I enjoy your company, but also because I am very interested and involved in what all you have to say. This helps me to explain outside the organization the sterling work you do on a matter we all know has its complications, but for which there are ways of resolving. 

At the start of this week, one of the comments I heard from the press was that IMO is an organization “where time doesn’t move.” I hope so, because if that is true then we have even more time to go on working in the very hard and dedicated way we do. 

I will continue to defend you because I am convinced that at the next session, you will reach an agreement. These negotiations do not take place only in the course of the meetings in the building when we are actually here and present, but I am going to ask you to please continue to work in the intersessional period. Focus on solutions and come along prepared to agree to the architecture of the technical and economic measures - which you have decided to complete by October next year. 

I remain neutral and that is why I always refer to them as “technical and economic measures”. I am sure that you will reach that midpoint where we can continue to show that when we set goals, we achieve them. If not, I am closing the doors next year and we will have to stay here until we do agree - but I am sure it will not get to that. I have great faith in you all.  

In parallel with the ongoing work to develop mid-term measures for implementing the IMO GHG Reduction Strategy, you have also made significant advances on short-term measures, with key elements identified for improvement.

You have also made important progress on other issues this week, and I would like to highlight the following:

  • you have adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, designating the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides, and Particulate Matter; 
  • you have approved the Action Plan for the Reduction of Underwater Noise from Commercial Shipping and associated guidance for the experience-building phase; 
  • you have approved the Provisional Guidance on the Implementation of the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions regarding the transboundary movement of ships intended for recycling; 
  • you have further advanced work aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with the maritime transport of plastic pellets; and
  • you have designated the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands in Lombok Strait as a new Particularly Sensitive Sea Area.

My sincere appreciation goes to you, Mr. Chair, for your usual calm demeanour and expert leadership in steering us through a challenging week. Your guidance has been essential in ensuring progress in critical areas, leading to the successful conclusion of this meeting.

I would also like to express my gratitude to your Vice-Chair, Mr. Hanqiang Tan of Singapore, for his enduring support to you and to the Committee and I wish him all the best for the return to his home country Singapore.

My sincere appreciation also goes to the Chairs of the Working, Drafting, Technical and Review Groups convened during this session, who have expertly and efficiently guided their groups through their respective work streams namely:

  • Ms. Sarah Bailey (Canada);
  • Mr. Chakir El Aissaoui (Morocco);
  • Mr. Kohei Iwaki (Japan); 
  • Ms. Stephanie Janneh (Togo); and
  • Mr. Sveinung Oftedal (Norway);

I am grateful for the efforts of the staff of the Marine Environment Protection Division, who led the preparations for this meeting and also the ISWG-GHG last week, for the dedication of all staff of the Secretariat, who work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to the interpreters, whose efforts have greatly facilitated our communication, particularly given the highly technical nature of this Committee's work.

I wish you all a restful weekend, and a safe journey to your destinations.

Thank you. 

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