WANA (Oct 06) – At the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), Iran’s representative reiterated the country’s commitment to its international obligations while accusing the U.S. of contributing to instability in the Red Sea through its support of Israel.

 

According to the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran, the MEPC meeting was held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters from September 30 to October 4. Pouria Kolivand, Iran’s Deputy Permanent Representative, and Mohajer, the alternate representative, attended the meeting.

 

During discussions on the Red Sea, listed under agenda item 2, a small group of countries led by the U.S. levelled accusations against Iran. In response, the Iranian delegation firmly rejected the claims, emphasizing that Iran remains fully committed to its obligations while accusing the U.S. of fostering regional insecurity through its support of Israel.

 

Iran has formally protested against the UK for failing to issue visas on time for its delegation to attend the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The protest was read during the session, with the IMO Secretary-General responding that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.

 

Despite repeated follow-ups and promises, visas for the Iranian delegation were not issued, forcing members of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) to attend the session virtually.

 

Pouria Kolivand, Iran’s PMO representative, highlighted key topics discussed during the session, including measures to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, improve energy efficiency, and address marine pollution and waste management. Other significant issues included noise pollution from underwater transport and sustainable ship recycling.

 

Kolivand also mentioned the formation of a multilateral group (FAL-LEG-MEPC-MSC) to address electronic certification, as well as a new committee to devise a comprehensive maritime digitalization strategy. Seven technical groups were formed to work on issues such as reducing emissions, improving ballast water management, and managing plastic waste in the oceans.

 

Additionally, Kolivand announced that Henry Conway of Liberia and Hanqiang Tan of Singapore were re-elected as Chair and Vice-Chair of the MEPC for 2025. The next MEPC session is scheduled for April 7-11, 2025.

 

Key outcomes of the MEPC 82 include amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, which will enforce new emission control areas (ECAs) in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea starting March 1, 2026, and updated greenhouse gas and air pollution regulations.

 

Further amendments on ballast water reporting and technical guidelines for ship recycling were also approved, along with a resolution to designate Nusa Penida and Gili Islands in Lombok Strait as particularly sensitive marine areas.