IMO Report May 2026
Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS)
MEPC 84 agreed that the OCCS correspondence group should develop guidance on OCCS accounting, verification and certification following the ISWG-GHG 21 agreement to include OCCS accounting in calculation of the GHG intensity of marine fuel (GFI). MEPC 84 also invited submissions to relevant bodies, including London Convention/London Protocol (LC/LP), on OCCS concepts involving either direct or indirect disposal of CO2 into the sea from ships, and using GESAMP scientific expertise, as appropriate. This highlights continuing uncertainty over whether OCCS discharges should be regulated under MARPOL, as with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), or under the LC/LP. IBIA is not currently an observer to LC/LP meetings. Following consideration by the Board, correspondence with the IMO Secretariat has begun on obtaining observer status. Alternatively, submissions could be made through MEPC or in cooperation with NGOs already holding LC/LP observer status
Alternative Fuels Correspondence Group
CCC 11 re-established the correspondence group on Development of Technical Provisions for Safety of Ships Using Alternative Fuels under MSC mandate. The work focuses on revision of MSC.1/Circ.1621 covering use of methyl/ethyl alcohol as a marine fuel and other low-flashpoint fuels. IBIA’s round 5 response was submitted on 4 May 2026. The final report will be submitted to CCC 12 to be held in September 2026.
Sustainable Fuels Certification Schemes (SFCS)
ISWG-GHG 21 agreed to use draft SFCS guidelines prepared by the informal group, that included IBIA participation, as the basis for further work. The group reconvened on 22 May 2026 and is subject to progress may also address the Fuel Lifecycle Label (FLL).
GHG Intensity for Marine Fuels (GFI)
ISWG-GHG 21 further developed the GFI calculation guidelines, with OCCS and ice adjustments remaining the main outstanding issues. Further OCCS work is required on LCA boundaries, accounting, survey and certification aspects. No conclusion is expected before MEPC 86 (Autumn 2027). Norway will coordinate both the OCCS correspondence group and related informal discussions.
Chain of Custody Models
MEPC 84 requested the IMO Secretariat organize an Expert Workshop on Chain of Custody Models (GHG-EW 7) including fuel supply chain traceability under the IMO LCA framework. The workshop is scheduled to be held in on 17 July 2026.
Polar Fuel Standard
IBIA was approached by the Clean Shipping Coalition (CSC) regarding a proposed IMO Polar Fuel Standard for Arctic use aimed at reducing Black Carbon emissions through tighter fuel specifications for MGO. The proposal has been circulated to the Technical Working Group for comment. Currently there is no consensus on IBIA’s position. ISO has also been approached by CSC.
New Applications by NGOs for IMO Consultative Status
Twelve NGOs have applied for IMO consultative status. The increase reflects IMO’s expanding remit into areas such as GHG, alternative fuels, BBNJ, MASS and digitalisation.
Other Activities
CLIA has invited IBIA to participate in a UK Chamber of Shipping round table on UK maritime policy implementation, including ETS/MRV, a potential UK GHG fuel standard and possible extension of UK ETS to international shipping. The event is scheduled for 17 June 2026 in London.