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INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO) – MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE (MEPC) UPDATE
Published: 24 October 2024
The IMO recently hosted the 82nd session of the MEPC between 30 September and 4 October 2024.
Highlights include:
- Two new emission control areas under MARPOL Annex VI were confirmed. The Canadian Arctic ECA and Norwegian Sea ECA will both enter into force on 1 March 2026. The sulphur content of fuel used in each area will be limited to 0.1% by mass, after 1 March 2027. However, the requirements for Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) control will differ. The Canadian Arctic ECA will apply to ships having their keel laid from 1 January 2025, while the Norwegian Sea ECA will apply to ships constructed on or after 1 March 2026. When operating in either area, applicable ships will require to meet NOx Tier III engine standards.
- Designating the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matea Islands in Lombok Strait as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area.
- The text of circulars was agreed on diverse subjects such as the best management practices for removal of anti-fouling coatings, ballast water record keeping, and the reduction of underwater radiated noise (URN).
In this session, members debated extensively on the most equitable and efficient methods to meet the goals of the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy. While no final agreement was reached, member states agreed on a foundation for continued work on the necessary measures. An intersessional working group will convene in February 2025 and again before MEPC 83 to advance these efforts. The goal is to approve the measures at MEPC 83, with the aim of them taking effect by 2027.
There were also discussion and agreements made on the improvements required for the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations and the Ballast Water Management Convention, amongst others.
A useful summary of the main outcomes from the session can be found here.
For more information and interpretation of the upcoming regulations, shipowners should consult their classification society and/or flag state administration as appropriate.
Note that MEPC 83 is currently planned to take place between 07 and 11 April 2025.
For further information, please do not hesitate to email lossprevention@tindallriley.com.