New regulations aimed at improving the energy efficiency of international shipping entered into force on 1 January 2013.The amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) were adopted in July 2011.They add a new
chapter 4 Regulations on energy efficiency for ships to MARPOL Annex VI, to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new
ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all
ships. Other amendments to Annex VI add new definitions and the
requirements for survey and certification, including the format for the
International Energy Efficiency Certificate.The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above.
However, under regulation 19, the Administration may waive the
requirements for new ships up to a maximum of 4 years.The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that
leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to
the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is
attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most
cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships. Ships are required to keep on board a ship
specific Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).Other MARPOL amendments which entered into force on 1 January 2013:Annex VI EmissionsAmendments to MARPOL Annex VI designate certain waters adjacent to
the coasts of Puerto Rico (United States) and the U.S. Virgin Islands
(United States) as the US Caribbean Sea Emission Control Area for the
control of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulphur oxides (SOX) and
particulate matter under regulations 13 and 14 of MARPOL Annex VI.
Another amendment makes old steamships exempt from the requirements on
sulphur content of fuel oil used on board ships in both the North
American and United States Caribbean Sea ECAs. The new US Caribbean Sea
ECA takes effect 12 months after entry into force, that is, 1 January
2014.Annex IV SewageAmendments to MARPOL Annex IV Prevention of pollution by sewage from
ships include the possibility of establishing Special Areas, the actual
designation of the Baltic Sea as a Special Area under Annex IV, and the
introduction of stricter discharge requirements for passenger ships
while in a Special Area.Annex V GarbageThe revised MARPOL Annex V Regulations for the prevention of
pollution by garbage from ships has entered into force, following a
comprehensive review to bring the Annex up to date.The main feature of the revision is the prohibition of the discharge
of all garbage into the sea except as expressly provided otherwise in
the Annex. The discharges permitted in certain circumstances include
food wastes, animal carcasses, cargo residues, and water containing
cleaning agents or additives used for washing deck and external surfaces or cargo holds.Cargo residues and cleaning agents and additives must only be
considered for discharge if they are not harmful to the marine
environment. The changes also include the updating of definitions; the
introduction of an “en route” requirement for the discharge of garbage
at sea; and the regrouping of the garbage categories for the purpose of
the garbage record book.
IMO&EU NEWS
02 January 2013 - 20:11
IMO: Regulations to Improve Energy Efficiency of International Shipping Enter into Force
New regulations aimed at improving the energy efficiency of international shipping entered into force on 1 January 2013.
IMO&EU NEWS
02 January 2013 - 20:11
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