Clean Arctic Alliance: IMO should Make bold decisions during MEPC 84

Black carbon and polar fuels measure

A proposed polar fuels measure would require ships operating in Arctic waters to switch to cleaner fuels such as distillates or alternative propulsion. However, a key unresolved issue is geography. As Dr Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, noted, “the IMO now must consider the appropriate geographic scope for such a polar fuel concept.” Governments are being urged to define this boundary before further negotiations continue at MEPC 85 and beyond.

Emission control areas in the North East Atlantic

Another major issue is the proposed North East Atlantic Emission Control Area (ECA), which would be the world’s largest ECA for sulphur and nitrogen oxides. It was agreed in principle in 2025 but has been delayed.

Advocates argue adoption is urgent. Carolina Silva, Shipping Policy Officer at ZERO, said, “IMO Member States must, without further delay, adopt the proposal for a new North East Atlantic Ocean Emission Control Area.” The measure is expected to significantly reduce air pollution, with potential cuts of up to 82% in sulphur oxides and 64% in particulate matter, while also reducing black carbon emissions and improving public health.

Underwater noise from ships

Progress on underwater noise regulation has also stalled. Environmental groups criticize delays in advancing an IMO-led global study, arguing that momentum from supportive countries and industry is not being matched by formal action.

CT Harry, Senior Ocean Policy Analyst at the Environmental Investigation Agency, said the delay “undercuts any assurance that an extended experience building phase will be able to deliver real progress in underwater noise reduction.” NGOs are calling for stronger proposals at MEPC 85 to push policy forward.

Scrubbers and marine pollution

Scrubber wastewater regulation remains unresolved, with no global rules in place. This has led to fragmented national approaches. Sam Davin, Head of Delegation to MEPC 84 for WWF, warned that “the lack of IMO regulation of scrubbers discharges is leading to an increasing patchwork of regulation which leads to fragmentation, confusion and environmental destruction.”

Environmental groups are pushing for a technology-neutral, goal-based system where scrubbers would only be allowed if their overall environmental impact matches cleaner fuels, meaning no harmful discharge into the ocean.

Growing Arctic black carbon emissions

Recent research shows Arctic shipping activity and associated black carbon emissions are rising. Emissions increased by about 47% between 2019 and 2024, driven by expanding shipping routes as sea ice retreats. While cleaner distillate fuels are increasingly used, residual fuels are still present, and regulation gaps remain due to limited geographic coverage of existing rules.