IMO Strengthens Strategy to Achieve Zero Plastic Discharge from Ships by 2030
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has advanced its efforts to eliminate plastic pollution from ships by 2030, as its Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response agreed on an updated draft 2026 Strategy and Action Plan on Marine Litter during its 13th session at IMO Headquarters in London from 9 to 13 February 2026. The draft strategy, finalized at PPR 13, will be submitted for adoption to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84), scheduled to meet from 27 April to 1 May 2026.
Opening the session, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the Organization’s continued commitment to addressing marine plastic litter from ships, including fishing vessels. The session was chaired by Dr. Anita Mäkinen of Finland. Once adopted, the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan will replace the IMO’s 2021 marine plastics strategy and 2025 action plan, consolidating them into a single streamlined framework while reaffirming the goal of achieving zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2030.
The updated strategy focuses on reducing shipping’s contribution to ocean plastic pollution, improving the effectiveness of port reception facilities and shipboard waste processing, and strengthening international regulations and compliance. It also includes measures to enhance seafarer training, raise public awareness, expand regulatory knowledge, and strengthen technical cooperation and capacity-building support for Member States.
The Sub-Committee also progressed targeted measures to address marine litter from ships, including plastic pellets, commonly known as nurdles. Members examined legal options to reduce environmental risks associated with pellets transported in freight containers, particularly in cases of spills at sea or in ports. The Sub-Committee recommended that MEPC 84 consider developing a new mandatory code to regulate the maritime transport of plastic pellets in freight containers under MARPOL Annex III and/or the SOLAS Convention.
To tackle abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear, a major source of ocean plastic pollution, the Sub-Committee approved a draft circular encouraging the implementation of fishing-gear marking systems and the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on Marking of Fishing Gear. The guidelines aim to facilitate reporting, recovery and safe disposal of fishing gear and include a risk assessment framework and a practical marking manual. The draft circular will be submitted to MEPC 84 for approval.
Following the decision at MEPC 83 to develop a legally binding framework on biofouling management to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species via ships’ hulls, the Sub-Committee agreed on key elements to guide the development of a standalone legal instrument. The finalized terms of reference and recommendations will be forwarded to MEPC 84. A correspondence group was established to define objectives, develop a draft structure, outline implementation guidelines and prepare a work plan.
During PPR 13, the Sub-Committee also finalized amendments to the NOx Code, agreed draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI on volatile organic compounds, continued discussions on black carbon emissions and polar fuels, and progressed work on Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems. Amendments to MARPOL Annex IV on sewage management were agreed in principle, while amendments to MARPOL Annex I on the disposal of oily bilge water were also agreed. Revised guidelines for handling oily wastes in machinery spaces and updated guidance for recording operations in the Oil Record Book Part I were approved, further strengthening the global regulatory framework on ship-source pollution. The developments mark a significant step in global maritime regulation, reinforcing the IMO’s long-term commitment to sustainable shipping and its 2030 zero plastic discharge ambition
Source: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
As global regulations tighten under the IMO framework, proper cargo handling and load securing remain critical for compliance and environmental protection. Professionals involved in container shipping and road transport can enhance their skills through certified online seminars on load securing for trucks and containers.
Online Seminars Load Securing: Truck and Container Shipping
