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.
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 Cll 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 Cll 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.
Source – DNV
