MEPC 84: NZF survives, but momentum must follow – non-profits
A majority of member states have backed the Net-Zero Framework (NZF) as the basis for draft terms of reference. But urgent work must be done to ensure adoption in November, maritime climate non-profits tell ENGINE.
IMAGE: Delegates at an IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) Extraordinary Session in London. Flickr of IMO
The IMO's proposed draft terms of reference will use the NZF, as approved in April 2025, as the basis for discussions during intersessional GHG working group meetings scheduled for September and November 2026.
These meetings will consider proposals submitted at MEPC 84 and those expected at MEPC 85, with findings to be presented at MEPC 85 between 30 November and 3 December.
If a final text is agreed, the approved version of the framework could then be adopted at the second extraordinary session (MEPC ES.2) on 4 December.
Non-profits said the framework has effectively “survived” the latest round of negotiations, but warned that prolonged discussions risk delaying progress.
"The Framework has survived, but survival is not a victory and we cannot end up in a cycle of open-ended negotiations. Taking forward consideration of multiple proposals is only acceptable as a bridge, not a destination,” Em Fenton, senior director of climate diplomacy at Opportunity Green said.
They stressed the need to maintain urgency and ambition while ensuring a just and equitable transition.
A report by UCL Energy Institute noted that support for the approved NZF appears to be strengthening, with 59 member states backing its use as the basis for the draft terms of reference at MEPC 84.
This reverses the narrow majority that led to the adjournment of the extraordinary session in October 2025, the report said.
"The USA and their allied petrostates weren't successful in stopping climate negotiations at the IMO," Lukas Leppert, policy officer at NABU said, but warned they could still attempt to obstruct final adoption.
“The IMO must agree on the adoption of the Net-Zero Framework in its current form by 2026. Otherwise, the maritime industry and our climate will have to bear the consequences of further delays: a rise of regulatory fragmentation and unhindered progress of climate change,” he said.
Clean Shipping Coalition president Delaine McCullough echoed that urgency.
The NZF must be adopted as soon as possible without further delay, she told ENGINE.
She noted that the NZF already reflects years of negotiation and remains the only viable option to meet the IMO’s own climate ambition and maintain broader support.
By Konica Bhatt
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