Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE IMO SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING 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 30 September, 2024

Good morning distinguished delegates.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to this 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee.

Before we proceed, I must address an issue of immediate and ongoing concern. The continued attacks on shipping in the Red Sea remain deeply troubling. These incidents not only continue to jeopardize the safety and well-being of seafarers, but also have far-reaching consequences for international shipping.

The recent attack on the MV SOUNION, along with a series of other targeted attacks on oil tankers throughout August, underscores the persistent dangers faced by ships and their crews transiting through the Red Sea. These unacceptable acts not only endanger human lives but also pose a significant environmental threat with potentially catastrophic consequences for the countries in the region. The latest reports confirm that the MV SOUNION is currently anchored in the Eritrea’s EEZ. Efforts continue to extinguish the fires on deck and oil spill response equipment is being mobilized to the site.

Once again, I demand the immediate release of the MV GALAXY LEADER and its crew, and I call on you all to intensify your efforts, through all possible channels, to ensure that ships moving through the Red Sea can do so in a safe and secure manner.

Your agenda for this session is substantial and encompasses a number of very relevant topics, but in the interest of time, I am going to focus on only a few.

Among the most important is progress on the development of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI on the basket of mid-term GHG reduction measures, building upon the outcome of ISWG-GHG 17 held last week.

The outline of the draft "IMO net-zero framework" agreed at your last session has proven to be a valuable tool, guiding everyone, as you all work constructively on draft amendments, using the net-zero framework as the basis.

As we approach the final sessions of the Committee before the decision is made in autumn next year, I urge you to concentrate on our key objectives: we are all aware of our respective positions and it is now time to focus on the work ahead. In that spirit, I would be extremely grateful if we could identify areas for compromise; addressing the concerns as we progress in this transition, and seeking solutions that are acceptable to all. The most relevant point is that we should focus on finding solutions that should enable us to move forward together. It is important to remember that we all share the same goals here at IMO.

I am encouraged by the commitment shown by all parties to bridge these differences, and I am confident that this will allow us to progress on draft amendments for both the GHG fuel intensity requirement and a GHG pricing mechanism, in accordance with the timelines we agreed here, which are set forth in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.

I would like to thank everyone involved in the comprehensive impact assessment of the various policy combinations for the mid-term GHG reduction measures, and in particular the moderator, Mr. Hanqiang Tan of Singapore, your Vice-Chair. The dedication of all involved, including the Secretariat, to this unprecedented task is truly commendable. The findings from the comprehensive impact assessment are now available and I am certain they will be of great assistance your further deliberations and decision-making.

Alongside your work on mid-term measures, this session will also review the short-term GHG reduction measures, particularly the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations. These regulations have facilitated critical discussions across the entire maritime value chain, enhancing data transparency and cooperation on climate action. I urge you all to utilize the review process to further improve these measures, ensuring they effectively drive energy efficiency.

The issue of how to deal with marine plastic litter remains a priority. You will be considering the review of the IMO Action Plan on Marine Plastic Litter from Ships and advance the work on reducing the environmental risks associated with the maritime transport of plastic pellets. You will also be invited to approve the draft Guidelines on good practice relating to clean-up of plastic pellets from ship-source releases, for subsequent publication.

You will also consider the draft guidance on the implementation of the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions, concerning the transboundary movement of ships intended for recycling, developed by the Secretariat as requested at your last session. I would need your support in order to find a solution between the two instruments in order to eliminate international uncertainty, and I count on your commitment to the IMO to reiterate in all other fora that the Hong Kong Convention should be the only applicable instrument when it comes to ship recycling, particularly as it will enter into force in less than a year.

It is time to continue supporting countries providing these services to enhance their compliance in the area of recycling and to avoid regional regulations that are not fit for purpose to a global application. And once again, I call on Member States to ratify the convention.

I am confident that under the leadership of your Chair, Mr. Harry Conway of Liberia, ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Mr. Hanqiang Tan of Singapore, as well as the staff of the Marine Environment Division together with the staff of supporting divisions, you will be able to successfully achieve the objectives set for this session and I invite you all to join me and the Secretariat at my welcome reception after the close of today's business.

Thank you.

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