The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) met for its 83rd session in person at IMO Headquarters in London from April 7-11, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Harry Conway (Liberia), with Mr. Hanqiang Tan (Singapore) as Vice-Chair.Highlights included:Tackling climate changeThe Committee finalized and approved the draft legal text for the "IMO Net-Zero Framework
Swedish family-owned shipping company Furetank is making a shift in management, where Björn Stignor steps into the CEO position from an international career in the Stena sphere. Former CEO Lars Höglund continues as chairman of the board, focusing on Furetank’s expansive newbuilding programme and other engagements in shipping industry and policy.Lars Höglund has a career of 50 years in shipping.
The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill had its third reading in UK Parliament on May 14 and now awaits Royal Assent to become law. The bill seeks to end the export of cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs for fattening and slaughter from and through England, Wales and Scotland.
Ireland has been elected to the Council of IALA, the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation. IALA was founded in 1957 and has recently transitioned into an inter-governmental organization. The Irish Government ratified the IALA Convention in May 2023, marking a milestone in Ireland’s commitment to international co-operation in maritime safety and to shaping the future of global