MEPC 83: Setting the course for a new era of sustainability and digital accountability

During its 83rd session the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), part of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), met in London to drive progress on climate ambitions across the sector. The session established important regulations for the industry, while demonstrating its preparedness to transition towards decarbonisation and the adoption of digital platforms. 

The path toward a net-zero future included the adoption of mid-term GHG reduction measures 

MEPC83 achieved what some are calling a significant breakthrough as members approved the mid-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures. The new "basket" system unites a GHG fuel standard with a market-based pricing system which aims to boost zero and near-zero emissions fuel adoption while funding climate finance for developing countries and clean energy research. 

While the proposal encountered significant opposition during voting, with 16 states rejecting its implementation, a rare formal vote ultimately secured its passage, highlighting the critical importance of the decision. Official approval is expected at the forthcoming October 2025 extraordinary session (MEPC/ES.2), where the revised MARPOL Annex VI and the IMO Net-Zero Framework are slated for adoption. The hybrid system is then anticipated to become operational on March 1, 2027. 

The new Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) rating system requires ships to submit yearly reports about their progress toward decreasing GFI targets. The new framework establishes a fundamental change that will influence fuel selection decisions throughout multiple decades. 

Under the new fuel rating system, shipowners will need to calculate, report, and verify the GHG intensity of all energy sources used onboard, measured against a declining target from 2008 levels. Meeting these targets will depend not only on choosing lower-emission fuels but also on running vessels efficiently. The rating system will offer the option to trade Surplus Units or purchase Remedial Units from the IMO Net-Zero Fund where shortfalls occur, similarly to the FuelEU. 

In practice, compliance now more than ever demands consistent, high-quality data.  

Digital platforms, such as 90POE’s OpenOcean STUDIO, are enabling ship operators to automate fuel data collection and monitor emissions performance across voyages, transforming complex regulatory requirements into manageable, actionable workflows and freeing up operators to focus on decarbonisation strategies rather than paperwork. 

Revised GHG strategy targets 

Among other notable outcomes was the revision of the existing targets for GHG emissions, aiming for a substantial reduction in emissions. The revised targets aim for a 20-30% decrease by 2030, a 70-80% reduction by 2040, and the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions around 2050. All the new targets are benchmarked against 2008 levels. This vision highlights the IMO's resolve to lead the maritime industry towards a sustainable future 

LCA guidelines and fuel certification   

The significance of accurate and reliable emissions data was discussed extensively during MEPC 83. The GESAMP-LCA Working Group provided input to MEPC 83 while the organisation advanced the development of the IMO’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Guidelines. The guidelines serve as a fundamental tool for validating alternative fuel well-to-wake emissions while maintaining fair compliance standards.    

Digital solutions have emerged as critical platforms to provide accurate data and reporting for the latest regulations and reduce the environmental impact of shipping, empowering shore side departments with decision-making capabilities to enhance risk management and reduce costs. More specifically, OpenOcean STUDIO by 90POE has established itself as an essential tool for shipowners and operators, enabling real-time operational data modelling of carbon intensity. The platform provides essential emissions management features including real-time visibility and automated Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) calculations and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part III integration among others which became vital as part of MEPC 83's performance-based regulatory framework and cross-vessel emissions optimisation requirements.   

CII review and expanded transparency   

The first phase of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) review under MEPC 83 reached completion during the short-term GHG measures development. The reduction targets now extend through 2030 which establishes a 21.5% reduction from 2019 baseline levels. 

However, there are still some challenges that remain. There is growing concern that the CII framework may unfairly penalise certain vessel types or operational profiles. Phase 2 of the review - slated to run beyond 2026 - will look at revised methodologies, including proposals for cruise ships and LNG carriers. 

Critically, data transparency took centre stage. MEPC 83 approved expanded access to the IMO's fuel consumption dataset, a move welcomed by digital platforms aiming to deliver cross-fleet benchmarking and emissions modelling. OpenOcean STUDIO is already aligned with this direction, enabling shipowners to benchmark performance, visualise CII trends, and proactively manage carbon intensity ratings across fleets. 

Digital foundations: expanding the IMO compendium 

In an important step forward for maritime digitalisation and regulatory alignment, the IMO has expanded the data reference model within the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business. Following the 49th meeting of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 49), a new dataset titled Fuel Oil Consumption and CII Reporting has been introduced, comprising over 140 standardised data fields. 

New definitions and clarifications (such as ‘under way’ and ‘canal passage’) are now formally aligned with digital reporting standards, reducing ambiguity and enabling smoother integration with digital platforms. 

The new dataset is designed to meet the requirements of: 

• The IMO Data Collection System (DCS) 

• The EU Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework 

• Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations 

• FuelEU Maritime requirements 

These updates also support enhanced data collection protocols under the new GFI framework, further closing the loop between emissions tracking, verification, and enforcement. With predictive compliance modelling, voyage-level analytics, and API-driven data flows, OpenOcean STUDIO is well placed to connect with the GFI Registry once operational, giving users a competitive edge. 

Beyond compliance: Achieving sustainable excellence with OpenOcean STUDIO in the post MEPC 83 Era 

MEPC 83 has charted a clear course towards a more sustainable and digitally accountable maritime industry. The adoption of mid-term GHG reduction measures, the new GFI rating system, and the increased emphasis on data transparency present both significant challenges and opportunities for ship owners and operators. In this evolving landscape, digital platforms like OpenOcean STUDIO emerge as indispensable tools.  

By automating fuel data collection, providing real-time emissions monitoring, and facilitating crucial calculations like EEOI and CII, OpenOcean STUDIO empowers operators to not only meet the stringent new IMO regulations but also proactively optimise their fleets for a lower-carbon future. 

As the industry prepares for the 2027 enforcement, leveraging a comprehensive maritime operations platform like OpenOcean STUDIO is proving essential for seamless compliance and a competitive edge in the decarbonisation era. 

To navigate the digital compliance landscape with confidence, book a demo of OpenOcean STUDIO today and explore how it can support your fleet.