The 84th Session of the IMO's Marine Environment Committee wasn’t just about the Net Zero Framework. The Committee also advanced a series of decisions that will directly affect ship operations — from ballast water management and plastic pellet carriage to underwater radiated noise and a new Emission Control Area in the North Atlantic. These issues may be less high profile than decarbonisation, but they are moving fast and will shape what ships need to do in practice over the coming years. This article breaks down what changed, what’s coming next, and what BIMCO is doing to support members. Outcomes of MEPC 84 If you are seeking news and updates on the Net Zero Framework, we will publish a more thorough report once we have had time to reflect on the outcomes, the key points for members and the way forward. Amendments to the BWM Convention and revised Guidelines for ballast water management plans (BWMPs) Ballast water management was a key topic at MEPC 84, with the Committee advancing the ongoing review of the Convention and associated instruments. The Committee approved draft amendments to the BWM Convention. The Secretariat will now prepare the consolidated revised Annex to the BWM Convention which is expected to be adopted at MEPC 85 later in 2026. The draft amendments to the BWM Convention focus on strengthening implementation by clarifying and enhancing existing provisions rather than introducing new regulatory concepts. In particular, the revisions address the application of contingency measures, improve the content and approval of BWMPs, and introduce more explicit expectations on crew familiarisation and system maintenance, including record-keeping. The amendments also refine survey and certification provisions and provide greater clarity on the transition from prototype (D-4) systems to full D-2 compliance. Overall, the changes aim to improve consistency, transparency and practical application of the Convention in real-world operations. We will provide BIMCO