Alert on new pollution legislation

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has alerted the shipping industry to be prepared for yet another piece of maritime legislation, the Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78, Annex VI), due to enter into force on May 19, 2005. Annex VI will apply to any ship of 400gt and above, and any ship fitted with diesel engine propulsion having power output of more than 130kW.

Ships of 400gt and above and floating drill platforms built on or after May 19, flying the flag of a signatory party to Annex VI and intended for international voyages, will, on delivery, need to obtain an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.

Similarly, existing ships will need to be certificated no later than the first scheduled dry-docking after May 19, but in all cases by May 19, 2008.

IRS said “These regulations require close attention by shipowners not only to specific Annex VI machinery and arrangement requirements on board ships, but also in ensuring that necessary individual operating procedures are in place and effectively implemented, both on board and in the office for smooth commercial operation of the ships.” IRS also said that Annex VI has implications for bunker suppliers and owners because it brings into force new measures governing both the sale and use of bunkers.

To help the shipping industry, specifically ship operators, understand and implement the new regulations, IRS has produced a booklet, Guide to MARPOL 73/78, Annex VI – Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships, which is being released this week in Dubai at the Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2004 event, IRS is an exhibitor.