Iraq Participates in the Proceedings of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization in London

Iraq is participating in the eighty-fourth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), being held from 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Organisation’s headquarters in London.

The opening session featured remarks by the Secretary-General of the Organisation, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, who addressed developments affecting maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He affirmed that the Organisation represents the most appropriate framework for reaching multilateral agreements in the field of international maritime transport within its mandate, and called upon Member States to strengthen an effective multilateral approach amid the challenges and disputes facing the world.

Discussions at the session are focused primarily on implementation of the Organisation’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Efforts are under way to reach consensus and achieve tangible progress, particularly with regard to the next phase of negotiations on a global framework for reducing such emissions.

The agenda also includes the discussion and adoption of amendments to binding international instruments, including Annex VI to the MARPOL Convention, in addition to issues relating to ship energy efficiency and the reduction of underwater noise resulting from maritime traffic.

Iraq is represented at these meetings by the Iraqi Maritime Attaché, Captain Mazin Al-Kaabi, and First Secretary Alyaa Ihsan Al-Sayegh, responsible for the International Organisations and Multilateral Relations portfolio in the Political Section of the Embassy.