IMO Secretary-General Opens 2nd Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee

Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez delivered opening remarks at IMO headquarters in London, as the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meets to discuss the adoption of global regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping (October 14-17).

Full text below of the speech delivered on Tuesday, October 14, 2025:

"Good morning distinguished delegates, welcome to this second Extra-ordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee. 

You are all well aware of the special importance of this week to the work of IMO. 

As per the usual practice in this Organization, you have been intensely debating and carefully listening to each other’s proposals on how to best translate the strategic objectives of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy into binding regulations for quite a number of sessions. This process has been inclusive and thorough. 

Priorities and concerns have been duly considered in the final design of the IMO Net-Zero Framework, which was approved at your last session. 

I am aware that some of you may find the outcome not climate ambitious enough, and would have liked to see steeper reduction curves to effectively contribute to reducing global warming. Others, believe that the GFI reduction requirements are overly stringent and will place a burden on the shipping industry. 

Some of you are of the view that there will not be sufficient alternative fuels available to ensure compliance, whilst others believe that robust global regulations will send a clear demand signal to fuel and energy producers. Some of you would have preferred a stronger commitment to supporting developing States. Others would prefer additional support for early-movers. 

All these views continue to be valuable. And also during this week all these different positions will be respected.    

The IMO Net-Zero Framework is not perfect. However, it provides a balanced basis for our further work on a number of elements ahead of its entry into force in 2027.   

This way of working is nothing new here at IMO. It follows the long tradition of this Organization in developing global regulations for a global industry which has served both this Organization and the maritime sector well. 

The energy and digital transition of shipping have already started. However, the absence of global regulations will increase the costs of this transition in the long run. It will incite a proliferation of regional and national climate measures leading to inefficiency and a myriad of emissions pricing schemes, without IMO  - all of you the Member States - or the industry having a say in how to use the collected revenue. 

Prolonged uncertainty will put off investments and diminish confidence in IMO, your Organization. 

The IMO Net-Zero Framework is a set of goal-based provisions. No specific fuel or technology has been excluded from the Net-Zero Framework as compliance option. I am confident that the various proposals that have already been submitted regarding the reward, fuel certification, well-to-wake emissions, or the fund will address remaining concerns and provide additional certainty. 

Under the experienced leadership of your Chair, Mr. Harry Conway of Liberia, I have no doubt that this session will be a success, with the full support of both you and the Secretariat. 

This session also marks the first MEPC meeting coordinated by Mr. David Osborn, who assumed the role of MED Director just a month ago, following the retirement of his predecessor, Mrs. Heike Deggim. I am certain that you will extend to him the support and cooperation he needs to succeed in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities entrusted to him, for which I thank you sincerely in advance. 

Remember, this is IMO. Here, we are diplomatic and respectful to one another, we listen to everyone’s opinion, we take steps forward, and we are always looking to improve in this ever-changing sector. 

You all adopted and agreed to stand by the IMO Code of Conduct, its purpose is clearly established: IMO is committed to enabling events, including meetings, at which everyone can participate in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment. 

Have a good meeting. 

Thank you, Chair."