Polar Code adoption on busy MEPC agenda

The committee’s 68th session, in London on 11-15 May, is expected to feature adoption of the Polar Code’s environmental requirements for ships operating in polar waters, along with associated MARPOL amendments. MEPC adoption is the final step before the code is brought into force on 1 January 2017.

The Polar Code measures include prohibition of pollution by discharging oil, noxious liquid, sewage and rubbish while in polar waters. The code covers a wide range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue and environmental protection matters.

MEPC will also review the status of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) 2004, which requires ratification from countries representing a further 2.04% of global gross tonnage before entry into force.

The MEPC will review the G8 guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems in light of a report of from the correspondence group. The committee will also receive a progress report on a study examining the implementation of regulation D-2 on the quality of discharged ballast water. The final report will be ready for the next MEPC meeting in early 2016.

BWM implementation

Importantly, the committee will also consider an Assembly resolution (A.1088(28)) on the timeframe under which ships must comply with convention. MEPC will report back to the assembly on its request that the majority of ships only be required to comply after their first renewal survey following the convention’s coming into force.

The committee will also continue to discuss exemptions and exceptions to the convention, with a view to clarifying their application. And a further six BWM systems will be considered for basic approval (and two for final approval) based on reports from the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environment Protection Ballast Water Working Group.

Amendments will also be considered to energy-efficiency guidelines, including the 2014 guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI); the 2013 interim guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power to maintain the manoeuvrability of ships in adverse conditions; and the 2014 guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained EEDI for new ships.

The committee will consider a progress report from the correspondence group on the status of technological developments relevant to implementing phase two of the EEDI regulations, as required under regulation 21.6 of MARPOL Annex VI, with a view to amending the timeframe for phase two if necessary. It will also receive a progress report from the Ad Hoc Expert Working Group on Facilitation of Transfer of Technology for Ships.

Data collection systems for fuel consumption will also be discussed, based on a draft text from a correspondence group established to consider systems for voluntary or mandatory application.

Air pollution guidance

The MEPC will also review several amendments and revisions to guidance and requirements related to air pollution measures, including:

• Draft amendments to the 2009 guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (resolution MEPC.184(59));
• Draft amendments to the NOX Technical Code 2008 to facilitate the testing of gas-fuelled engines and dual fuel engines for NOx Tier III strategy;
• Draft guidance on the application of regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI Tier III requirements to dual fuel and gas-fuelled engines; and
• Draft amendments to the 2011 guidelines addressing additional aspects to the NOX Technical Code 2008 with regard to particular requirements related to marine diesel engines fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems (resolution MEPC.198(62)).

The MEPC will also consider the final report of the correspondence group developing the methodology and terms of reference for a review of the availability of compliant fuel oil to meet the requirements set out in MARPOL Annex VI, regulation 14 (Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Particulate Matter),.

The sulphur content of fuel oil used on ships is scheduled to drop to 0.50% globally on and after 1 January 2020 (except within ECAs where sulphur limits are already 0.10%). Depending on the outcome of the review, the global requirement could be deferred to 1 January 2025.

Further items for consideration include pre-delivery quality control measures for fuel oil, a new definition for black carbon, an update on UN climate change negotiations and a prospective extension of the Great Barrier Reef Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). Oil spill response guidelines and the Inventory of Hazardous Materials guidelines for ship recycling will also be discussed.