Tag: MEPC 71

The German ports Bremen and Bremerhaven have cooperated in a campaign to ban heavy fuel oil (HFO) from Arctic shipping, along with more than 80 companies, organisations, politicians, NGOs and explorers. bremenports signed the Arctic Commitment to eliminate heavy fuel oil in Arctic shipping, and called other ports to join as well.

As we are heading towards the end of 2017, we take a look back at the significant developments for the protection of the marine environment. The entry into force of the BWM Convention, the exclusion of shipping in the EU ETS, the initiatives towards electrification and decarbonization compile the scenery of a challenging year for shipping.

USCG outlines where the industry stands with respect to Type Approval, informing that so far it has approved six BWMSs whereas many are currently under review. Extensions are no longer necessary for most vessels because operators are now able to select and install a Coast Guard type approved BWMS.

The Liberian Registry recently co-hosted a round-table discussion with the U.S. Coast Guard and twelve shipping companies to debate topical issues relating to ballast water.

On Friday, October 6th, the Our Ocean conference in Malta, became the venue for the launch of an international initiative to end use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) by Arctic shipping. 

International shipowner organizations have submitted to IMO a new paper to further elaborate their views on IMO's strategy regarding GHG reduction which is expected for adoption at MEPC72. The submission provides concrete wording on the level of ambition and the accompanying guiding principles.

ClassNK released its new set of technical rules, Rules and Guidance for Ballast Water Management Installations, in accordance with the entry into force of the International BWM Convention, 2004, and amendments to Regulations for the Classification and Registry of Ships, on 8 September 2017.

Ahead of the BWM Convention entering into force on 8 September, Esben Poulsson, ICS Chairman, has called on shipowners, equipment manufacturers and governments to co-operate to ensure that proper implementation of this new regulatory regime will deliver maximum environment benefit.

Susanna Wyllie, Global Proposals Manager at De Nora, refers to forthcoming challenges concerning the BWM Convention after MEPC 71 decisions and highlights that it is vital for operators to align with BWMC requirements for compliance and not to wait until the last minute. Deharmonising may seem the easy solution now, but those choosing to do this need to understand that there could be repercussions and plan accordingly, Mrs Wyllie notes.

Dr. Frank Stuer-Lauridsen, CEO of Ballast Water Monitoring A/S, comments on MEPC 71 decisions regarding the BWM Convention and what they do mean for both the vendors and the shipowners.  The shipowners are relieved with the extension of two years whereas the developers and suppliers of equipment are not, Dr. Stuer-Lauridsen notes and he adds that the extension will certainly impact competition by recognizing 5-6 leaders in the market and up to 20 systems eventually. However, he is worried about the winners as they may not necessarily represent the best or the most agile technology.