IMO’s MEPC 73 has started its session, which will last from 22 to 26 of October. MEPC moved ahead with its work to deliver the IMO initial strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, approving a programme of follow-up actions. A working group on GHG reduction will continue discussions, including the fourth IMO GHG study.
MEPC 73 namely is intended to be used as a planning tool in meeting the timelines identified in the initial IMO strategy, which was adopted in April 2018.
The initial strategy refers to a range of candidate short-, mid- and long term measures that will be considered by IMO. Short-term measures could be finalized and agreed between 2018 and 2023; mid-term measures, between 2023 and 2030; and long-term measures, beyond 2030.
Feeding in to the process towards adoption of a revised Strategy in 2023 will be the data collection system on fuel oil consumption of ships over 5,000 gross tons, which begins on 1 January 2019; and a fourth IMO GHG study, to be initiated in the first half of 2019. The programme of follow-up actions provides agreed timelines for specified streams of activity.
Commending the Committee’s approval of the programme of follow-up actions, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said the programme of follow up actions “sets a clear signal on how to further progress the matter of reduction of GHG emissions from ships up to 2023”.
The planning exercise to implement the Initial Strategy up to 2023 is now behind us. It is time to take a step further. In looking at the agreed programme of follow-up actions, I understand that you have a heavy workload ahead. I am convinced that, in re-doubling your efforts and with enhanced support from working arrangements, you will be able to deliver and even accelerate the pace of actions and tackle this immense and global challenge.
The streams of activity identified in the programme of follow-up actions include:
- candidate short-term measures (Group A) that can be considered and addressed under existing IMO instruments;
- candidate short-term measures (Group B) that are not work in progress and are subject to data analysis;
- candidate short-term measures (Group C) that are not work in progress and are not subject to data analysis;
- candidate mid-/long-term measures and action to address the identified barriers;
- impacts on States;
- Fourth IMO GHG Study – set to be initiated in 2019;
- capacity-building, technical cooperation, research and development; and
- follow-up actions towards the development of the revised Strategy – set to be adopted in 2023.
The Committee invited concrete proposals on candidate short-term measures to the next Committee session, MEPC 74 (May 2019), for consideration, as well as on the procedure for assessing the impacts on States; and also on candidate mid/long-term measures to MEPC 74 and MEPC 75.
A working group is set to meet during the current MEPC session, to discuss, in particular, the scope of the planned Fourth IMO GHG Study. The working group is expected to report back to the plenary session at the end of the week.
The Committee will address the 0.50% sulphur limit. From 1 January 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside emission control areas will be reduced to 0.50%.
This aims to reduce the sulphur oxides from ships and can have major health and environmental benefits. IMO has been cooperating with Member States and the industry to support implementation of the new limit. MEPC 73 is expected to approve ship implementation planning guidance as well as best practice guides for Member States and for fuel oil suppliers. It will also adopt an amendment to ban the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil, with the exception of when ships are fitted with measures such as scrubbers.
Marine plastic litter is also on the agenda. The Committee will establish and agree an action plan to address the issue of marine plastic litter from shipping, ahead of 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) on the oceans.
A number of proposals have been suggested, addressing issues such:
- A study on the state of marine plastic litter;
- Availability and adequacy of port reception facilities;
- Marking and retrieval of fishing gear;
- Reporting the loss of fishing gear and containers;
- Facilitating the delivery of retrieved fishing gear or passively-fished waste to shore facilities;
- Reviewing training;
- Raising awareness;
- Strengthening international cooperation.
