IMO adopts plan to help reduce plastic pollution in the oceans

The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response has agreed on a draft updated strategy and action plan to combat plastic pollution from ships, including fishing vessels.

During its 13th session (PPR 13), from 9 to 13 February 2026, the Sub-Committee finalized the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships. The draft will be submitted for adoption at the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s 84th session (MEPC 84), scheduled for 27 April to 1 May 2026.

2026 Strategy and Action Plan on marine plastic litter agreed 

The Sub-Committee agreed to the draft 2026 Strategy and the Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, with a view to adoption by the Marine Environment Protection Committee at its next session (MEPC 84) in April 2026. 

The draft 2026 Strategy and the Action Plan updates and supersedes the Strategy adopted by resolution MEPC.341(77) in 2021, and the 2025 Action Plan adopted by resolution MEPC.404(83).  

The Strategy reaffirms IMO’s commitment to reduce marine plastic litter from all ships, including fishing vessels. It works to reduce shipping’s contribution to ocean plastic pollution, improve the effectiveness of port reception facilities and waste processing, while strengthening international rules and compliance. The goal is to achieve zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2030. 

In addition, the revised Strategy and Action Plan aim to:   

• Enhance public awareness, education and seafarer training  
• Improve understanding of the contribution of ships to marine plastic litter  
• Improve knowledge of the regulatory framework  
• Strengthen international cooperation  
• Expand targeted technical cooperation and capacity-building. 

Development of a new Code on the transport of plastic pellets recommended 

The Sub-Committee discussed which legal instruments could be used to introduce mandatory measures to reduce the environmental risks of plastic pellets transported by sea in freight containers. 

In addition, the Sub-Committee invited the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) to consider its recommendation that a new code on the maritime transport of plastic pellets in freight containers be developed and made mandatory under MARPOL Annex III and/or SOLAS.  

Fishing gear marking systems to be promoted 

The Sub-Committee approved a draft MEPC circular promoting the implementation of fishing gear marking systems and the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on Marking of Fishing Gear (VGMFG), with a view to approval by MEPC 84. 

This includes two supplements to the VGMFG:

• a framework for conducting a risk assessment for a system on the marking of fishing gear; and 
• a Manual for the marking of fishing gear.  
• source : safety4sea