MEPC 84 Begins: “There is no reason to repeat what happened last October” Maritime Activity Reports, Inc. April 27, 2026 Source: IMO IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez opened the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84), urging Member States to find convergence and make meaningful progress on the IMO Net-Zero Framework to cut global shipping emissions and set an example of effective multilateralism. His opening remarks: "Good morning, distinguished delegates, welcome to the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee. Situation in the Strait of Hormuz “Before turning to the work of this session, and further to my briefing to Member States last Friday, I must once again address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which continues to be of grave concern. Thousands of seafarers remain stranded inside the Gulf on board vessels, exposed to significant risks and considerable psychological strain. They are victims of a situation with broader consequences for the global economy and food security. The longer this situation goes on, the greater the risk of serious accidents, including environmental accidents. “The Council held an extraordinary session in March, reaffirming the respect for the freedom of navigation; the paramount importance of the safety of seafarers and shipping; the conviction that seafarers and shipping must never be used as collateral victims of any geopolitical conflict; and the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in de-escalating tensions. “I wish to reaffirm that the IMO is the place for multilateral agreement on international shipping. This includes measures such as Traffic Separation Schemes in high volume straits between two or more Member States. “I continue to engage with relevant stakeholders on this matter and I urge all parties to work towards de-escalation.” Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Efficiency “Turning to the meeting this week, a very important task this week is to fin