Decision on the IMO Net-Zero Framework delayed for one year
The 2nd extraordinary session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2) decided to delay adoption of new requirements on greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel intensity, in combination with a pricing and reward mechanism. The meeting continues in October 2026.
Information for: Ship owners and managers, equipment manufacturers and fuel suppliers.
Adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments
MEPC/ES.2 considered adoption of two amendments to MARPOL Annex VI:
- The IMO NZF, setting out new requirements on GHG fuel intensity, in combination with a pricing and reward mechanism
- Designation of the North-East Atlantic as an ECA for SOx, PM and NOx
MEPC remained divided throughout the meeting and during the final day, a majority of 57 member states voted to adjourn the meeting for one year, while 49 voted to continue. This means that the amendments were not adopted, and the meeting continues in October 2026. This means that the possible entry into force will be on 1 March 2028 earliest. We may also see other changes to the NZF.
References
- Free Webinar, 29 October: IMO’s MEPC extraordinary session – the Net-Zero Framework in focus
- NZF topic page
- IMO DCS topic page
- CII topic page
- EEXI topic page
- Emissions Connect service
Recommendations
DNV recommends that our customers take note of the delayed adoption of the IMO Net-Zero Framework on GHG emissions reduction, as well as the North-East Atlantic Ocean ECA.
We also recommend to sign up for our free webinar discussing the outcome of MEPC/ES.2, taking place on 29 October 2025.
