Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 13) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE THIRTEENTH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON POLLUTION PREVENTION AND RESPONSE, 9 to 13 February 2026

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 9 February 2026 

Good morning distinguished delegates. 

I am pleased to welcome you all to the thirteenth session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response. 

First of all, I would like to highlight the 2026-2027 World Maritime Day theme: "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence." This is the first time that a World Maritime Day theme will span two years, reflecting the Organization's commitment to ensuring that the regulatory framework developed at IMO translates into effective national legislation, enforcement, and day-to-day maritime operations. 

In this context, all IMO committees and sub-committees collectively contribute to the objective of the theme, with the PPR Sub-Committee playing a pivotal role in turning IMO's environmental commitments into practical, implementable standards.  

Moving on to this week's agenda, in the context of MARPOL Annex I, you should aim to finalize the revision of the Guidelines for systems for handling oily wastes in machinery spaces of ships and the associated regulations.  

In relation to MARPOL Annex II, you will continue to evaluate the safety and pollution hazards of chemicals transported in bulk.

With regard to MARPOL Annex IV, the revision of the Annex and its associated guidelines to introduce measures that will ensure the lifetime performance of sewage treatment plants has progressed.  

Furthermore, ongoing efforts to address marine plastic litter remain a priority and relate to MARPOL Annex V, while under MARPOL Annex VI you will embark on a review of the NOx emission control and compliance framework and also consider matters relating to Black Carbon emissions in the Arctic and discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems. 

In addition, building on the Organization’s longstanding experience with ballast water management, this session marks the beginning of important work to develop a legally binding framework for the control and management of ships' biofouling. This very important work builds upon the 2023 Biofouling Guidelines and the recently approved Guidance on in-water cleaning.  

The large number of submissions to this session (154) reflects the active engagement of delegations and the significance you place on the Sub-Committee's work. Your challenge this week is to navigate this considerable body of work, with the aim of delivering sound regulatory outcomes that turn IMO policy into effective practice, improving the environmental performance of international shipping and advance environmental protection. 

I am confident that, under the guidance of your Chair, Dr. Anita Mäkinen of Finland together with the staff of the Marine Environment Division and supporting divisions, you will make substantial progress on the matters before you. 

I wish you every success in your deliberations, and I warmly invite you all to join me at the welcome reception in the Delegates' Lounge after the close of today's business.  

Thank you. 

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