These measures align with the revised IMO Strategy, adopted in July 2023, which outlines mid-term GHG reduction goals. Various proposals are currently under consideration to define these measures more precisely.

The draft outline of the IMO net-zero framework will serve as a starting point to consolidate diverse proposals into a common structure for further discussion. It is understood that this outline may evolve as deliberations progress.

Looking ahead, MEPC agreed on several next steps leading up to its next meeting (MEPC 82) from 30 September to 4 October 2024:

1. 1. Finalizing and submitting a comprehensive impact assessment on the proposed mid-term measures' effects on Member States to MEPC 82.

   2. Hosting a two-day expert workshop (Fifth GHG Expert Workshop – GHG-EW 5) to discuss preliminary findings from the impact assessment, including revenue disbursement modeling, with outcomes reported to MEPC 82.

   3. Convening the Seventeenth Intersessional Working Group on Greenhouse Gas Emissions (ISWG-GHG 17) to review outcomes from the impact assessment and GHG-EW 5, along with other submissions, to advance mid-term measure development, with a report to MEPC 82.

   4. Developing draft terms of reference for a Fifth IMO GHG Study at ISWG-GHG 17.

   5. Establishing a GESAMP Working Group on the Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels to provide scientific and technical assessments based on the LCA Guidelines, which calculate GHG emissions from marine fuel production to use.

Additionally, two correspondence groups were formed to report to MEPC 83: the first to develop a regulatory framework for onboard carbon capture systems and address Tank-to-Wake methane and nitrous oxide emissions, and the second to explore social and economic sustainability aspects of marine fuels for potential inclusion in the LCA Guidelines.

MEPC also adopted revised Guidelines on the life cycle GHG intensity of marine fuels (LCA Guidelines), featuring updated calculations for default emission factors and new templates for well-to-tank and Tank-to-Wake emission factors.

Other key decisions from MEPC included:

·  Approving the establishment of two new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in Canadian Arctic Waters and the Norwegian Sea.

·   Endorsing new recommendations for the safe transport of plastic pellets in freight containers.

·   Supporting a draft action plan to reduce underwater noise from commercial shipping.

·     Endorsing an updated work plan for developing guidelines on new alternative fuels under the Ballast Water Management Convention.

·     Approving interim guidance on applying the BWM Convention in challenging water quality conditions and guidance on temporary storage of treated sewage and grey water in ballast water tanks.