From 9 to 13 February, Marie-Lucie Susini (FPS Mobility and Transport, Head Of Delegation), Diederik Wéreau (FPS Mobility and Transport) and Jean-Baptiste Merveille (Institute of Natural Sciences) represented Belgium at the 13th meeting of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR13) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, United Kingdom.
Belgium actively contributed to discussions on atmospheric emissions from ships, with a particular focus on nitrogen oxides (NOx). Our delegation supported the development of effective international regulations in this area and engaged in technical debates to ensure that future standards deliver real and measurable emission reductions.
A key strength of the Belgian contribution is evidence-based monitoring: since 2020, Belgium has been monitoring NOx emissions from ships at sea with the coast guard aircraft, providing valuable insights to inform international policy development.
The PPR13 session laid a constructive foundation for further work, marking the beginning of a multi-year process that will continue for at least two more years.
In parallel, the Belgian study on black carbon emissions was referenced several times during discussions on reducing the impact of black carbon in the Arctic, highlighting the relevance of our research at the global level.
Belgium remains fully engaged throughout the discussions, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, science-based policy, and international knowledge sharing.