The World Shipping Council (WSC) has welcomed what it described as constructive engagement on a global emissions reduction measure at the recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting, MEPC 84.

WSC president and CEO Joe Kramek said: “These are complex and, at times, difficult discussions. But continued engagement from governments is essential to keep progress moving.”

Kramek mentioned that the liner sector has already invested $150bn in new dual-fuel ships with the potential to reduce emissions, but added that the benefits of that investment depend on agreement around an effective global framework.

The liner shipping body stated that an ambitious and enforceable international approach is needed to decarbonise shipping, warning that otherwise the sector could face a more costly and less efficient patchwork of regional rules.

The organisation noted that IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez had acknowledged the role of industry in the talks, noting that those who will have to apply the rules must remain closely engaged. WSC commented that it would continue supporting member states with operational insight and technical input as discussions resume in September.

MEPC 84 also advanced technical work tied to a global measure, including updates to the NOx Technical Code, emissions-monitoring guidelines, a work plan for onboard carbon capture and storage requirements, and amended guidance on biofuels.

Kramek added: “These are practical steps that matter. They shape how fuels are used, how emissions are measured, and whether future measures can be implemented effectively.”

The latest comments follow another recent policy intervention in which the World Shipping Council backed the EU’s maritime strategies while urging faster trade simplification.