IMOs Marine Environment Protection Committee from 1 to 5 of October, 2012
Discussions at the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 64) this week include the following points of particular interest on bunker issues, air emissions and ship efficiency:
Availability of fuel study
It was decided that the study on availability of fuel, that was due to be completed by 2018, should not be commenced any further in advance. It was felt that the study will probably not be commenced before 2016, with a request for any further submissions not to be made on this subject until MEPC 66, which will be in 2014.
Sampling of fuel onboard
Although there were no submissions on this matter, MEPC 64 reviewed its earlier decision for the development of a standard for sampling of fuel oil onboard ships (engine room).
This decision was prompted by information that, in some ports, Port State Control takes such samples to check the sulphur content of a ship’s fuel. It was felt, therefore, that the sampling should be done in a similar manner and according to an IMO set of guidelines.
Since there were no submissions with specific proposals, it was decided to invite submissions from interested parties. It was assumed that such guidelines may require an amendment to Regulation 18 of MARPOL Annex VI, and therefore MEPC 64 indicated that proposals should include explanations for the compelling need for such changes.
INTERTANKO suggested that, if such guidelines will be developed, they should address the qualification of laboratories performing fuel tests.
Market-based measures (MBMs)
There has been no discussion on MBMs and all documents submitted will be discussed at MEPC 65 in April/May 2013
Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)
SEEMP should not be required to be placed onboard an existing ship until such time as a verification survey is carried out. An International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) is to be issued at the time of survey.
Calculation of minimum power as part of the verification of the EEDI of new ships
The proposed IACS/industry guidelines were modified to be used on a temporary basis between 1 January and May 2013, with a final agreement of the calculations to be made at MSC91 followed by a joint MSC/MEPC Circular.
MEPC 64 agreed that a more substantial review should be undertaken by a correspondence group, which was established. The fully revised guidelines will be approved by MEPC 65 in May 2013.
Source : INTERTANKO