The 79th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 79) was held from 12 to 16 December 2022. Highlights include the adoption of a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) in the Mediterranean Sea from 1 May 2025 as well as further discussions on the revision of the IMO GHG Strategy scheduled for 2023 and future technical and market-based measures.
Relevant for ship owners and managers, equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers.
Meeting highlights
- Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to include information on the flashpoint of fuel in the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN)
- Adoption of a new Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) in the Mediterranean taking effect from 1 May 2025
- Consideration of revisions to the IMO GHG Strategy and future technical and market-based measures
Adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments
MEPC 79 adopted amendments to the following IMO instruments:
MARPOL Annexes I, II, IV, V and VI – regional reception facilities within Arctic waters
Amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, II, IV and VI were adopted to provide for regional arrangements as an acceptable way to satisfy MARPOL obligations to provide port reception facilities that cover ports within Arctic waters. Consequently, the 2012 Guidelines for the Development of a Regional Reception Facilities Plan was amended to be aligned with the MARPOL amendments.
The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2024.
MARPOL Annex V – Garbage Record Book
Amendments to MARPOL Annex V were adopted to make the Garbage Record Book mandatory also for ships between 100 and 400 gross tons.
The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2024.
MARPOL Annex VI – Mediterranean sulphur ECA
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI were adopted to establish a Mediterranean Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter. The requirement will be the same as for other sulphur ECAs, mandating the use of fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% or the use of an exhaust gas cleaning system.
The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2024, and the requirements take effect on 1 May 2025.
MARPOL Annex VI – information to be included in the BDN
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix V were adopted to extend the information to be included in the BDN to also include the flashpoint of the fuel oil, or alternatively a statement that the flashpoint has been measured at or above 70°C.
The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2024.
MARPOL Annex VI – information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix IX were adopted to include the attained and required Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) values, the CII rating and attained Energy Efficiency Design Index for existing ships (EEXI) in the required information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database.
The amendments will enter into force on 1 May 2024. However, administrations are invited to consider early application from 1 January 2024 to ensure that the CII data for 2023 is reported to the IMO.
Harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water
Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB)
MEPC 79 revised the format of the BWRB in Appendix II of the Annex to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention. The revised BWRB introduces code letters (A-H), similar as in the oil record book, and aims to improve the recording of issues around BWM systems. The amendments will be circulated for adoption at MEPC 80 in July 2023.
Grey water and treated sewage in ballast tanks
MEPC 79 agreed that it should be permitted to use ballast tanks for temporary storage of treated sewage and grey water. Guidance will be developed at the next MEPC to set out appropriate actions and uniform procedures to ensure compliance with the BWM Convention, and in particular the D-2 standard, when the ballast tanks are returned to ballast water storage.
Ports with challenging water quality
MEPC 79 discussed and established a list of fundamental principles to consider when developing further guidance for ships encountering challenging water quality. Ships are expected to return to D-2 compliance after experiencing challenging uptake water, and bypassing a BWM system should only be used as a last resort. Communication with the port receiving the uptake water is crucial. Further work on guidelines will be conducted at MEPC 80 in July 2023.
Air pollution and energy efficiency
Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)
MEPC 79 revised the EEDI calculation guidelines to include a CO2 conversion factor for ethane, a reference to the updated ITCC guidelines, and a clarification that in case of a ship with multiple load line certificates, the maximum certified summer draft should be used when determining the deadweight. MEPC 79 also discussed applying the shaft and engine power limitation concepts to the EEDI and agreed that, in principle, these concepts should be added in a future revision.
A possible Phase 4 of the EEDI was discussed, with several member states advocating for developing it into an energy-based index by removing the CO2 conversion factor, while others wanted to also include methane (CH4) and nitrous oxides (N2O). However, no decisions were taken, and further discussions were deferred to later sessions of the Committee.
Licensing scheme for bunker suppliers
MEPC 79 discussed establishing a mandatory licensing scheme for bunker suppliers. However, there were no agreements to do so, but member states were encouraged to apply the voluntary licensing scheme in the Guidance for best practice for Member State/coastal State (MEPC.1/Circ.884/Rev.1).
Unified Interpretations
MEPC 79 approved a clarification on the Unified Interpretation of Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI, that the DCS reporting includes boil-off gases (BOG) used for propulsion or operational needs such as in a boiler, or burnt in a Gas Combustion Unit (GCU) for cargo tank pressure control, or for other operational purposes.
MEPC 79 approved an extension of the Unified Interpretation of Regulation 18.3 of MARPOL Annex VI related to NOx emissions when using biofuels, that it should also be applicable for fuels with a synthetic fuel content of up to 30%. In principle, such fuels fall under the definition of Marine Fuel Oil derived from petroleum refining (Regulation 18.3.1) and no further NOx testing is required.
MEPC 79 approved Unified Interpretations of Regulation 26 of MARPOL Annex VI related to the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). A new ship should comply with the requirement at the time of delivery. Furthermore, for ships delivered on 1 October or later, the following year should be the first year of the three-year implementation plan, and the attained CII for the remaining part of the year of delivery should not be included when the determining whether the ship should develop a corrective action plan under Regulation 28.
MEPC 79 approved a Unified Interpretation of Regulation 28 of MARPOL Annex VI related to the plan for corrective action to achieve the required CII. The corrective action plan should plan for how to achieve the required CII on the second year after the reporting year that resulted in the third consecutive D-rating or an E-rating.
Reduction of GHG emissions
Revision of the IMO GHG Strategy
There was an extensive exchange of views on the scheduled revision of the IMO GHG Strategy. MEPC 79 revised the Guidance on process and methodological elements for the conduct of comprehensive impact assessments (MEPC.1/Circ.885).
There was limited convergence between member states on the vision and levels of GHG reduction ambitions in the strategy. The main divergence in views is on those calling for full decarbonization by 2050, and those calling for further assessments on feasibility to achieve such an ambition and the potential impacts on states before such a decision can be made. There also remains a divergence of views on the necessity of intermediate GHG reduction targets being set for 2030 and 2040.
The MEPC will adhere to the established workplan on this matter and adopt the revised strategy at MEPC 80 in July 2023. Further discussions will take place at Working Group meetings to be held from 20 to 24 March, and during the week prior to MEPC 80 in July 2023.
Mid and long-term measures to reduce GHG emissions
There was an extensive discussion on potential mid and long-term measures at a Working Group meeting held the week prior to MEPC 79. At this meeting, proposals for various measures were discussed and there was an increased support for a basket of measures combining technical and economical elements. On market-based measures there was a convergence towards a levy scheme, imposing a set price on well-to-wake or tank-to-wake GHG emissions, possibly in combination with a rebate system where the revenues are partly provided back to vessels to cover the price gap between fossil and low or zero-carbon fuels. Additionally, there was significant support for a technical measure in the form of a well-to-wake GHG intensity fuel standard.
Further discussions will take place at Working Group meetings to be held from 20 to 24 March, and during the week prior to MEPC 80 in July 2023. The decision on which measures to develop into regulations will be made at MEPC 80.
Correction factors for the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
Proposals for additional CII correction factors were deferred to MEPC 80. Considering the diverging views expressed, it is likely that decisions to add further correction factors will only be taken at the review point in 2025.
Revision of the Data Collection System (DCS)
In addition to the amendments to the DCS adopted at MEPC 79, there was a discussion on adding further elements, including mandatory cargo data reporting. The discussions will continue at future meetings of the MEPC.
On-board CO2 capture
A brief discussion was held on provisions for considering on-board CO2 capture and storage in GHG regulations under MARPOL Annex VI. Due to time constraints, the issue was deferred to MEPC 80.
Lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels
A brief discussion was held on developing guidelines on life cycle GHG/carbon intensity. The correspondence group will continue its work on the guidelines, and a first version is expected to be finalized at MEPC 80 in July 2023.
Marine plastic litter
MEPC 79 agreed to revise the terms of reference for the IMO study on marine plastic litter from ships to make it more specific by adopting a stepwise approach and pursue subprojects that address specific data gaps. Member states and international organizations were invited to submit proposals to MEPC 80 to assist the Committee on how to progress with the IMO Study.
Identification and protection of special areas, ECAs and PSSAs
MEPC 79 agreed in principle to designate the North-western Mediterranean Sea as a PSSA (Particularly Sensitive Sea Area). The associated protective measures need to be further developed before the area is designated as a PSSA.
Work programme
MEPC 79 agreed to new outputs to the work programme as follows:
- A new output for the revision of MARPOL Annex II to improve the effectiveness of cargo tank stripping, tank washing operations and prewash procedures for products with a high melting point and/or high viscosity
- A new output to amend the Revised guidelines and specifications for pollution prevention equipment for machinery space bilges of ships (Resolution MEPC.107(49)) to ensure the proper functioning of on-board 15 ppm bilge alarms
Recommendations
DNV recommends that our customers complete their preparations for compliance with the upcoming EEXI, SEEMP and CII requirements. From 1 January 2023, an approved SEEMP Part III needs to be on board and the necessary data to calculate the CII and relevant correction factors must be monitored and reported. By the first survey after 1 January, the EEXI Technical File needs to be approved.
For more information about decarbonizing shipping and about the relevant DNV services relating to GHG emissions, visit:
Provisional list of resolutions and circulars
Please note that the list and document references below are provisional:
Resolution MEPC.359(79)
Amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, II and IV concerning regional reception facilities within Arctic waters and form of IOPP certificate and supplements
Resolution MEPC.360(79)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex V concerning regional reception facilities within Arctic waters and Garbage Record Book
Resolution MEPC.361(79)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI concerning a Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter
Resolution MEPC.362(79 )
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI concerning regional reception facilities within Arctic waters, information to be included in the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) and information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database
Resolution MEPC.363(79)
Amendments to the 2012 Guidelines for the development of a regional reception facilities plan (Resolution MEPC.221(63))
Resolution MEPC.364(79)
2022 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships
Resolution MEPC.365(79)
2022 Guidelines on the survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)
Resolution MEPC.366(79)
Invitation to member states to encourage voluntary cooperation between the port and shipping sectors to contribute to reducing GHG emissions from ships
Resolution MEPC.367(79)
Encouragement of member states to develop and submit voluntary national action plans to address GHG emissions from ships
Resolution MEPC.368(79)
Amendments to the 2014 standard specification for shipboard incinerators (Resolution MEPC.244(66))
BWM.2/Circ.66/Rev.4
Unified interpretations to the BWM Convention
MEPC.1/CIRC.795/Rev.7
Unified interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI
MEPC.1/Circ.885/Rev.1
Revised procedure for assessing impacts on states of candidate measures
MSC-MEPC.1/Circ.5/Rev.4
Organization and method of work of the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee and their subsidiary bodies
MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.15/Rev.2
Guidelines for the development, review and validation of model courses
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