EU Takes a Stand on Maritime Safety and Pollution Reduction

EU Position on IMO Meetings (2026)

• MEPC 84 (27 Apr–1 May 2026) – The EU will support the adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI that:

1. Designate the North‑East Atlantic as a new Emission Control Area (ECA) – regulations 13, 14 and Appendix VII.
2. Improve access to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS) and review the short‑term GHG reduction measure – regulations 20, 25, 27 and 28.
   These measures will reduce SOx, NOx and particulate emissions, protect health and the environment, and keep economic impacts manageable.

• MSC 111 (13–22 May 2026) – The EU will support the adoption of amendments to:

1. SOLAS chapters IV and V and the certificates appendix (including the introduction of the VHF Data Exchange System – VDES).
2. The 1994 and 2000 High‑Speed Craft (HSC) Codes.
3. The 2011 Enhanced Programme of Inspections (ESP) Code, allowing remote inspection techniques.
4. The International Life‑Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, improving free‑fall lifeboat reliability.
5. Annex B of the 1988 Load Lines Protocol, adding guard‑rail requirements on decks.
   These changes enhance safety, efficiency, digital data exchange, and crew protection while keeping costs low.

Legal Basis

• The decision is grounded in Article 100(2) and Article 218(9) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
• The EU has exclusive competence to influence common rules that affect its legislation, such as directives on sulphur limits, GHG monitoring, the Emissions Trading System, renewable fuels, vessel traffic monitoring, and marine equipment standards.

Decision Summary

• Article 1: EU will agree to the MEPC amendments on the ECA and IMO DCS accessibility.
• Article 2: EU will agree to the MSC amendments on SOLAS, HSC Codes, ESP Code, LSA Code, and Load Lines Protocol.
• Article 3: The positions will be expressed jointly by EU Member States that are IMO members.
• Article 4: The decision is addressed to Member States.

The EU’s stance aims to strengthen environmental protection, maritime safety, and operational efficiency while aligning IMO regulations with EU law and policy objectives.