Mariners Digest
IMO MEPC 85 (30 November to 3 December 2026): what seafarers should watch
IMO’s environment committee meets for its 85th session from 30 November to 3 December 2026. The session on the Net-Zero Framework is set to resume on Friday 4 December, subject to MEPC 85’s confirmation. Ballast water amendments are due for adoption at MEPC 85, and items for crude oil tankers for approval.
Key dates
As published by IMO after MEPC 84 (27 April to 1 May 2026, London).
| Date | Meeting |
|---|---|
| 1–4 Sep 2026 | First inter-sessional meeting on the Net-Zero Framework |
| 23–27 Nov 2026 | Second inter-sessional meeting, ahead of MEPC 85 |
| 30 Nov–3 Dec 2026 | MEPC 85 |
| Fri 4 Dec 2026 | Second Extraordinary Session resumes (Net-Zero Framework), subject to confirmation by MEPC 85 |
Source: IMO, “MEPC 84th session” meeting summary (read on 13 November 2026).
What to watch, item by item
- Net-Zero Framework: MEPC 84 agreed to continue discussions on a revised framework; no decisions on its design were taken and no timeline was set for approval or adoption (DNV). The vote, if any, is at the resumed session on 4 December.
- Ballast water (BWM Convention): amendments approved at MEPC 84 are subject to adoption at MEPC 85; entry into force is expected in spring 2028, with the date set at adoption. The experience-building phase ends when they enter into force (DNV).
- Crude oil tankers (VOCs): amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 15 are subject to approval at MEPC 85 (DNV).
- Bilge water: MEPC 84 approved MARPOL Annex I amendments with a new Regulation 12B; the related guidelines were approved in principle, with final approval at MEPC 85 (DNV).
- Underwater radiated noise: Member States were invited to submit proposals for a policy roadmap to MEPC 85 (IMO).
- Already decided at MEPC 84: the North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area enters into force on 1 September 2027; the 0.10% sulphur limit applies 12 months later (DNV).
Sources: DNV, “IMO MEPC 84: Revisiting the Net-Zero Framework” (published 4 May 2026) and IMO, MEPC 84 meeting summary; both read on 13 November 2026. The MEPC 85 agenda and outcome are not published here until IMO publishes them.
Questions
When is MEPC 85?
The 85th session of IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 85) is scheduled for 30 November to 3 December 2026. IMO said so in its summary of MEPC 84, which met from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in London.
Will the IMO Net-Zero Framework be adopted at MEPC 85?
Not at MEPC 85 itself. IMO says the Committee will resume its Second Extraordinary Session on Friday 4 December 2026, subject to confirmation by MEPC 85. Two inter-sessional meetings were set before it: 1 to 4 September and 23 to 27 November 2026. DNV reported that MEPC 84 set no timeline for when a revised framework might be approved or adopted.
What changes for ballast water?
MEPC 84 approved a package of amendments to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention. DNV reports that they are subject to adoption at MEPC 85 and that entry into force is expected in spring 2028; the date is set at adoption. The experience-building phase ends when the amendments enter into force.
Is anything new for crude oil tankers?
DNV reports that MEPC 84 approved amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 15 for tankers carrying crude oil (volatile organic compounds, including pressure/vacuum valve requirements), and that these amendments are subject to approval at MEPC 85.
When does the North-East Atlantic ECA start?
MEPC 84 adopted it. DNV reports that the amendments enter into force on 1 September 2027 and that the 0.10% sulphur limit takes effect 12 months later.
How will I hear what MEPC 85 decides?
Mariners Digest carries IMO decisions in its IMO & rules section, each item linked to its source and marked Official or Reported. Open the latest issue on cryosim.com, or follow its RSS feed.
Mariners Digest is made by CryoSim. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by IMO or DNV. This page summarises their published texts in CryoSim’s own words and is not legal advice; IMO’s own documents always take precedence. Updated 2026-11-13. See also the IMO Net-Zero Framework: where it stands, CII rating in 2026, how to use Mariners Digest and Mariners Digest.
