With the support and direction of Dr. Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, Iraq is taking part in the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), held from April 27 to May 1, 2026. The meetings aim to discuss the IMO framework for achieving Net- zero emissions of carbon from ships.

Captain Mazen Al-Kaabi, Maritime Attaché and Deputy Permanent Representative of Iraq to the IMO, stated: “The committee is addressing a vital and contentious issue among member states. The zero-emission framework stipulates imposing fees on ships engaged in international trade, which could amount to significant sums due to the use of conventional fuels. European countries and their allies are attempting to enforce new technologies to promote the use of alternative, environmentally friendly fuels, from their perspective.”

He added: “This represents a major challenge for developing member states, as imposing taxes on ship emissions will lead to higher prices for foodstuffs transported by sea.”

Al-Kaabi emphasized that “Iraq’s active participation is a key element in influencing the organization’s policy, in cooperation with Arab countries, particularly oil-exporting nations.”

These meetings form part of the United Nations’ efforts to steer the shipping sector toward reducing carbon emissions, amid divergent positions among states regarding implementation mechanisms and the associated economic costs.