IMO issues new circulars
The IMO has issued new Circulars and MEPC.1/Circ. 765 gives information on new retrofitting kits for MAN B&W S70MC and S50MC type engines.
In accordance with the provisions of regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI, engines of more than 5 MW and a displacement per cylinder of 90 litres or above, installed onboard ships built between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1999, should be fitted with methods for NOx emissions reduction (kits) when such kits are available and approved by an Administration.
Ships with engines for which the kits are approved are required to be fitted with them at the first renewal survey of the IAPP Certificate which is scheduled 12 months from the date on which the Administration gives notice of the certification of the approved kit.
According to MEPC.1/Circ. 764 and 765, the Danish Administration reported on the certification of the approved method for MAN B&W S70MC and SM50MC type engines on 11 August 2011. Therefore, installation of the kits for such engines will be mandatory no later than the first renewal survey for the IAPP Certificate which occurs on or after 12 August 2012, subject to commercial availability.
IACS has informed the IMO that data provided in the Circulars is not sufficient to assess and certify the retrofitted engines as compliant with NOx Tier I emission standards. IMO/MEPC 62 agreed to request the Bulk Liquid and Gas (BLS) Sub-committee to develop guidelines for minimum data to be delivered to demonstrate such compliance. However, MEPC 62 did not agree to suspend or delay the enforcement dates for the kits certified and provided for in the current circulars (MEPC.1/Circ738, MEPC.1/Circ 743 and MEPC.1/Circ. 764). Administrations which approved these kits (Germany and Denmark) agreed to submit additional information as requested by IACS.
As a consequence, the Administration of Denmark has provided additional information in their circular of 5 October 2010 MEPC.1/Circ.738.
Owners who have ships operating engines for which kits have been approved are strongly advised to contact their own Administration and Recognised Organisation issuing the IAPP Certificate as soon as possible for more specific details.
Source: INTERTANKO
