Cyprus as a Mediterranean island country welcomes the adoption of the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, which will enter into full force from 1 May 2025, concerning the designation of the Mediterranean Sea as a Sulphur Oxide Emission Control Area. This is a very important development that will contribute to the protection of the environment and public health through the reduction of harmful emissions from ships.
In addition, Cyprus welcomes the progress made in the ongoing review of the initial strategy of the International Maritime Organization to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, despite the fact that the revised targets for 2030 and 2050 are under consideration, together with the implementation of a supplementary "package of measures" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
