Four countries have submitted a proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that would establish fuel regulations for Arctic shipping to reduce black carbon emissions, according to the Clean Arctic Alliance.

The proposal, designated PPR 13-6, has been submitted to the IMO's Pollution Prevention and Response Committee (PPR 13), which will meet in February 2026. The measure would be established under MARPOL Annex VI and aims to reduce the impact of black carbon emissions from international shipping on the Arctic.

The proposal calls for regulation of fuels suitable for use in the Arctic, which would require a shift to cleaner marine fuels that emit less black carbon. The geographical area to which the proposal would apply remains to be determined.

Dr. Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, said: "The Clean Arctic Alliance welcomes the proposal for an Arctic fuel measure which, if agreed upon during February's IMO meeting, will have positive benefits for both the Arctic and the global climate, as well as provide positive health benefits for Arctic communities."

Dr. Prior added: "It is important that other Arctic and climate-vulnerable states step up to support the proposal during the discussions at PPR 13 — action to reduce emissions of super-pollutant black carbon is essential for remaining in line with the Paris climate targets and will be an important first step towards reducing international shipping's climate impact."

The Clean Arctic Alliance, which comprises 24 organizations, campaigns for governments to take action to protect the Arctic, its wildlife, and its people. Member organizations include Bellona, Greenpeace, Ocean Conservancy, WWF, and Transport & Environment.