Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 83RD SESSION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE (MEPC 83), 7 to 11 April 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Domniguez on 11 April 2025.

Distinguished delegates,

We have concluded another session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee. Your collective efforts have yielded progress this week, resulting in a number of achievements that will shape the future of shipping. These landmark accomplishments reflect both your unwavering commitment to our shared goals and your ability to forge meaningful consensus in the face of complex challenges.

I wish to most of all commend the extraordinary spirit of cooperation and commitment demonstrated throughout this week.

The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments. Perhaps not in the way we expected - but we have an agreement on the basis on which we can work. And I take pride in the work I do for you and in representing you. 

It is always a little regrettable that even though this organization moves forward, hand in hand, fighting to achieve its objective, often our successes are not recognized, with many not even knowing who takes part in this process and how difficult the process is. But I can assure you that I can will continue supporting you and championing our cause, notwithstanding the challenges we face.  

Now, it is important to continue working together, engaging in dialogue and listening to one another, if we are to create the conditions for successful adoption of this agreement.

You have also made significant progress on other important environmental issues:

• You have adopted a revised 2025 Action Plan to address marine plastic litter from ships, building on the progress made since the initial plan;

• You have made progress on the review of the BWM Convention, and advanced on the development of draft amendments for approval at MEPC 84;

• You have adopted amendments to the NOx Technical Code and approved the designation of two new PSSAs (the Nasca Ridge National Reserve and the Grau Tropical Sea National Reserve).

My heartfelt gratitude goes to you, Dr. Harry Conway of Liberia, for your expert leadership and steady guidance in steering us through this historic session. Your usual deft management and diplomatic skills have been essential in ensuring progress in critical areas, ensuring our success this week. 

I would also like to express my gratitude to your Vice-Chair, Mr. Hanqiang Tan of Singapore, for his valuable support to you and to the Committee as a whole throughout the week.

I want to belatedly congratulate both of you on your re-elections and apologize for not being able to join you when the election took place.

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

• Ms. Sarah Bailey of Canada;

• Mr. Chakir El Aissaoui of Morocco;

• Mr. Barkah Bayu Mirajaya of Indonesia;

• Mr. Kohei Iwaki of Japan; and

• Mr. Sveinung Oftedal of Norway.

I would also like to recognize the entire staff of the Marine Environment Division for their exceptional work in preparing for this meeting and supporting your Committee this week, as well as all other Secretariat, who work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. Particularly the Conference Division and the staff of the cafeteria, who face additional challenges this week due to the large number of delegates and the high volumes of documents produced, often late into the evening. 

Special thanks, as always, to our interpreters, whose efforts have greatly facilitated our communication, particularly given the highly technical nature of this Committee's work. The past few months and especially these last two weeks have been incredibly busy and, at times, exceptionally challenging. We have worked long hours, faced intense scrutiny, and navigated tough negotiating conditions.

It is with mixed emotions that I note this is the last MEPC session for Ms. Heike Deggim, Director of the Marine Environment Division, who will be retiring in August after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Organization.

Throughout her remarkable career at IMO, Ms. Deggim has been instrumental in advancing the Organization's safety and environmental agendas. Known for her professionalism, profound expertise, and methodical character and her technical skills, Heike has consistently ensured that meetings run smoothly and efficiently. Her directness, clarity, and no-nonsense approach mean she gets the job done - always with focus, precision, and without fanfare.

Heike’s unwavering commitment to the Organization is evident not only in her leadership but also in her attention to detail and insistence on upholding the highest standards. She has consistently ensured that the IMO style guide is respected and followed in all aspects of the Organization’s work. With Heike, what you see is what you get - an honest, dedicated professional who brings clarity, precision, and integrity to everything she does.

As Director of the Maritime Safety Division, Heike orchestrated the comprehensive revision and adoption of the STCW-F Convention and the establishment of the new STCW-F Code, significantly elevating safety standards for fishing vessel personnel worldwide. She pioneered the Organization's groundbreaking work on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), positioning IMO at the forefront of this technological revolution. Under her leadership, the Division navigated the complex challenges of shipping's digital transition, developing forward-thinking frameworks for seafarers' training and reskilling in an increasingly automated industry.

During her more recent tenure as Director of the Marine Environment Division, Heike achieved remarkable progress in reducing ship-source pollution, most notably, spearheading the Organization's historic efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, forging consensus among diverse stakeholders and establishing IMO as a leader in maritime climate action.

Her guidance throughout has been invaluable to the work of this Committee, but also to that of MSC and the Organization as a whole.

Heike, on behalf of the entire Organization, I extend our deepest gratitude to you for your outstanding service and wish you all the best and every happiness in your well-deserved retirement.

All that remains for me now is to once again thank you for your commitment, hard work and continued dedication to the work of the Organization.

I hope you enjoy a well-deserved, restful weekend.

Thank you.

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