Global shipping has urged world governments to commit to plans to deliver greater sustainability in the maritime sector, after a key meeting once again ended without agreement.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee saw  Member States discuss the future of the draft “IMO Net-Zero Framework” (NZF) to decarbonise international maritime transport.

This followed the Extraordinary Session last October which had postponed a decision on whether to adopt the NZF for global implementation.

At the conclusion of last week’s MEPC meeting, Thomas A Kazakos, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), said consensus was needed if progress was to be delivered.

“The constructive dialogue that has taken place this week is hugely welcome, although it is clear that many Member States are still unable to adopt a global regulatory framework unless further adjustments are made,” he added. “The shipping industry is fully committed to achieving the ambitions of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy and has already delivered substantial GHG emissions reductions. It is vital that governments move towards adoption of a comprehensive fit-for-purpose global framework as soon as possible to enable the industry to further accelerate its rapid transition to alternative energy sources.

“We therefore welcome the decision to convene additional negotiations in September to which ICS intends to contribute ideas on a possible way forward to achieve the necessary support amongst all Member States.”

Closing the meeting, in London, IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said: “We are back on track, but we have to rebuild trust. I encourage you to maintain this momentum through your intersessional work and to prepare submissions that can bring the membership together.”

Nearly 100 delegations took the floor to deliver their views on the adoption of “mid-term measures” to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships – known as the IMO Net-Zero Framework – with multiple proposals tabled on how to take forward negotiations.

The Committee agreed to establish an intersessional Working Group to resolve various concerns and drive broader convergence on a global measure ahead of MEPC 85 in six months. Member States will be able to submit new amendments and adjustments to the draft amendments previously approved.

Two inter-sessional meetings will be scheduled (1 to 4 September and 23 to 27 November) ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November to 3 December), as well as a one-day expert workshop on “chain of custody” models, which track fuel origin and movement of fuels across the supply chain, ensuring emissions are properly traced and verified.

On the Strait for Hormuz and the ongoing threat to vessels and crews the committee adopted a resolution condemning the attacks on commercial shipping in the region and the related risks of marine pollution.

“The Committee recognised the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters, warning that these attacks could cause large-scale marine pollution such as oil, hazardous and noxious substances and hazardous residues arising from missiles, drones, fires, and explosions,” Then IMO explained. “Delegates requested the secretary-general to monitor environmental impacts and report to the next IMO Council session.”