A notice of meeting published by the EU Council schedules a meeting of the Working Party on Shipping for 17 July 2026 in Brussels, where member state representatives will discuss EU positions for upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) sessions on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, artificial intelligence (AI) standards for navigational equipment, and port security.
The meeting, set for 10:00 in the Justus Lipsius Building, will begin with an information session from the European Commission on the state of play regarding IMO work on GHG emissions from ships, followed by forward planning of IMO submissions. The core agenda includes three substantive items. First, the Working Party will examine a Presidency compromise proposal (ST 11265/2/26 REV 2) for a draft Union submission to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 112), scheduled for 14-18 December 2026, which proposes a new output on performance standards for AI systems in navigational and communication equipment. Second, the Commission will present a Staff Working Document for a draft Union submission to MSC 112 proposing amendments to the ILO/IMO Code of practice on security in ports. Third, the group will examine a Presidency compromise proposal (ST 11601/2/2026 REV 2) for a draft Union submission to the IMO Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 22), meeting in London from 1-4 September 2026, focusing on key elements for the IMO GHG measure to align with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
The meeting underscores the EU's effort to coordinate member state positions ahead of critical IMO negotiations. The GHG submission aims to ensure that the IMO's mid-term measures—such as a possible carbon levy or fuel standard—align with the EU's ambitious 2023 strategy, which targets net-zero emissions by or around 2050. The AI standards proposal reflects growing EU attention to the safety implications of digitalization in maritime operations, while the port security amendments seek to update international guidelines. No prior coverage of this specific meeting exists in recent records, indicating a new phase of preparation for the autumn IMO sessions.
EU shipping companies face potential compliance costs from stricter GHG measures, but may benefit from harmonized AI standards that reduce liability risks. Port authorities could see updated security protocols requiring investment. EU regulators gain influence in shaping global maritime rules, while non-EU IMO members may push back on the EU's ambitious GHG targets. The meeting's outcomes will feed into Council decisions ahead of the IMO sessions, with the Commission expected to formalize the submissions after member state approval.