Tag: MEPC 74

Tank cleaning is one of the key operations on board tanker carriers as it removes any hydrocarbon vapours, liquids or residues from tanks. Tank cleaning is required for many reasons, such as to carry clean ballast, remove sediments from tank top plating, prepare the tankers for internal inspections or prior to entering dry dock.

As we are approaching the end of another exciting year for shipping, without a doubt the focus of everyone ahead of 2020 will be on IMO sulphur cap. This issue, along with decarbonization in general, has emerged as a main priority for the sector, with companies trying to find ways to cut their emissions. In this article, we take a look back at 2019, and we identify the key environmental moments that left their mark.

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a shipping note to advise parties concerned on the 2019 Guidelines for PSC under MARPOL Annex VI Chapter 3 adopted at IMO's 74th Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 74).

IBIA alerts on the upcoming 2020 sulphur cap regulation, reminding the shipping industry that it will mandatory for vessels to have sampling point to be fitted or designated for the purpose of taking representative samples of the fuel oil being used on board the ship.

IMO's MEPC 74 in May adopted amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, II, V, VI and the NOx Technical Code, regarding the use of electronic record books, approved as alternative of hard copy record books under the MARPOL Convention. The Committee also adopted guidelines to support the use of electronic record books.

IMO's MEPC 74 in May adopted resolution MEPC.315(74), amending regulations 1, 13, appendix IV and appendix VI of MARPOL Annex II concerning cargo residues and tank washings of persistent floating products with a high viscosity and/or high melting point in specific areas.

On 17 May 2019, MEPC 74 adopted resolution MEPC.318(74), aiming to amend the chapters 1, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code).

To support anyone preparing for the 2020 sulphur cap, and specifically shipowners and operators, Muhammad Usman, LR's voice on marine fuels, has created and answered a set of the most frequently asked questions. The questions regard the draft guidance, Ship Implementation Plan and ISO updates.

MEPC 74 concluded on Friday with a comprehensive set of guidelines for the consistent implementation of the 2020 sulphur cap. IMO also approved draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI relating to enforcement of the 0.50% sulphur limit.

The Union of Greek Shipowners applauds the progress made by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 74) of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (UN IMO) with regard to the issues related to the challenges stemming from the implementation of the new 0.5% sulphur limit on marine fuels.