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European Union

European Union Supports Amendments to International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Council of the European Union has issued a decision on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee at its second extraordinary session. The decision supports the adoption of amendments to MARPOL, specifically focusing on the designation of the North-East Atlantic as a new Emission Control Area, the accessibility of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database, and the introduction of the IMO Net-Zero Framework. This move aims to improve maritime safety and protect the marine environment and human health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Council of the European Union has adopted a decision to support the adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) at the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee.
  • The amendments include the designation of the North-East Atlantic as a new Emission Control Area, improving the accessibility of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database, and introducing the IMO Net-Zero Framework.
  • The European Union supports the adoption of regulations 13 and 14 and Appendix VII of Annex VI to MARPOL, regulations 20, 25, 27, and 28 of Annex VI to MARPOL, and the introduction of new chapter 5 of Annex VI to MARPOL.
  • The European Union is not a member of the IMO nor a contracting party to MARPOL, but will express the position of the Union at MEPC/ES.2 through its Member States.
  • The decision will enter into force on the date of its adoption, authorizing Member States to give their consent to be bound by the proposed amendments.
  • The European Union has a long-standing commitment to improving maritime safety and protecting the marine environment, as evident in the adoption of Regulations (EU) 2015/757 and (EU) 2023/1805.
  • Approximately 1 in 7 people on the planet relies on the oceans, making the protection of the marine environment a crucial aspect of global governance.
  • The European Union has also implemented various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, such as the Sulphur Directive (Directive 2016/802) and the Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC).
  • The decision to support MARPOL amendments demonstrates the European Union's commitment to reducing air pollutant emissions from ships and achieving related health, environmental, and economic benefits.

Statistics:

  • The IMO estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping could increase by up to 130% by 2050 if left unchecked.
  • The European Union's policy efforts have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 7.2% compared to 2008 levels.
  • According to the IMO, approximately 90% of global trade is transported by sea, making the maritime industry a crucial sector for the global economy.
  • The European Union has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 60% by 2050, compared to 2008 levels.
  • The Sulphur Directive (Directive 2016/802) has led to a reduction in sulphur emissions from ships, saving the European Union approximately €10.2 billion per year in health and environmental costs.

Sources:

  • Council of the European Union Decision (EU) 2025/2093 of 10 October 2025
  • Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015
  • Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023
  • Directive (EU) 2023/959 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023
  • Directive (EU) 2016/802 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016

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