There has been over three years since the new requirements of MARPOL Annex VI, that impose a specific limit on the Sulphur content being used in ships fuel, came into force in the Special Emission Control Areas (SECAs).
IMO MEPC 66 NOx Regulations and Arguments on SCR Technology
April 6, 2014 by 2 Comments
Last Friday on April 4, 2014, IMO MEPC on its 66th session, agreed on stricter requirements for vessels’ NOx emissions in specific areas, the so called NECAs. During this session the entry into force date of these requirements has been also agreed, although until the final MEPC decision, there was a disagreement for this matter from a number of countries headed by Russia.
NOx Emissions from Shipping: Where Are We? What are the Perspectives?
November 6, 2013 by 1 Comment
At its 65th session, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) reached an agreement in principle to postpone the international NOx emissions limits for new ships from 2016 to 2021. This IMO decision needs to be confirmed by vote of all Parties to MARPOL Annex VI at the next MEPC meeting in April 2014. A confirmation of this decision in April 2014 would constitute a complete u-turn by the IMO on ship emission regulations and could seriously compromise the credibility of MARPOL Annex VI. The EU and its Members States, owning collectively the world’s largest merchant fleet, need to shoulder their responsibilities and help reverse the tide at the IMO on this issue. In addition, serious consideration of the problem of shipping NOx emissions should be given in the context of the 2013 EU Year of Air.
UK Report Claims Sulphur Targets Could Increase Emissions & Cause Loss of Jobs
June 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A report, published last March, by AMEC, shows that the targets for shipping companies to reduce their sulphur emissions by 2015, could cause adverse environmental effects and result in a loss of 2,000 maritime services jobs, and place many more industrial jobs under threat. The report is the first of its kind to examine the full impact of hitting sulphur targets.
MARPOL Annex VI Requirements for Technical and Operational Measures
April 12, 2013 by 1 Comment
During last February a very interesting article from Edmund Hughes, Technical Officer, Marine Environment Division, IMO was published in IMO’s website, explaining the new regulations aimed at improving the energy efficiency of international shipping, which entered into force on 1 January 2013 and make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships. Other amendments to MARPOL Annex VI add new definitions and the requirements for survey and certification, including the format for the International Energy Efficiency Certificate. The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above. However, under regulation 19, the Administration may waive the requirements for new ships up to a maximum of 4 years.
North American ECA Related Deficiencies
January 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Last August the North America ECA low sulphur requirements came into force and as a result the sulfur content of the fuel oil used onboard ships operating in this area may not exceed 1.00% m/m (10,000 ppm). This new requirement comes to add further restrictions on the fuels’ sulphur levels and gives the PSCO the ability to examine either the vessel’s SMS or its equipment or relevant records on whether or not they are in line with ECA regulations.
IMO MEPC 64th session 1-5 Oct. 2012
October 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meets for its 64th session from 1 to 5 October 2012, at IMO Headquarters in London. As well as discussing matters relating to the implementation of energy-efficiency, ballast water management and ship-recycling regulations, the MEPC will also consider formally designating the Saba Bank, in the North-eastern Caribbean area of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).
EU Approved Legislation Regarding Low Sulphur Fuel
September 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Stricter limits on the sulphur content of shipping fuels are set to improve air quality along European coastlines and reduce the estimated 50,000 premature deaths caused each year by air pollution from ships. EU parliament today approved legislation agreed with member states, which requires new general limits to be in place by 2020.
North American Emission Control Area
July 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment
In a few days (1 August 2012) the control of the sulphur content in fuel oil for ships operating within the designated North American Emission Control Area will be implemented. IMO’s MEPC.1/Circ.723 provides the boundary of the Emission Control Area. After 1 August 2012, the limit value of the sulphur content of any fuel oil used onboard vessels within North America ECA will change from 3.50% m/m to 1.00% m/m.
MEPC 63 Outcome
July 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
On the sixty-third session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 63) that took place from 27 February 2012 to 2 March 2012 the following have been discussed/decided.
MARPOL Annexes I, II, IV, V, and VI amendments have been adopted, aiming to enable Small Islands Developing States to comply with requirements regarding reception facilities for ship waste through regional arrangements. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 August 2013.
Officer of the Watch 