An important series of guidelines to support the uniform implementation of mandatory measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping has been adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). This paves the way for the regulations to be smoothly and uniformly implemented by Administrations and industry.
The MEPC adopted the guidelines when it met for its 63rd session from 27 February to 2 March 2012, at IMO Headquarters in London. The committee continued its intensive discussion on market-based measures for greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping and also adopted:
– amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) relating to regional arrangements for port reception facilities;
– guidelines related to the implementation of the revised MARPOL Annex V (Garbage)
– guidelines related to the Hong Kong Convention for the recycling of ships.
Approval Ballast Water Management Systems
The MEPC has granted basic and final approval to a number of ballast water management systems that make use of active substances.
Implementing Energy Efficiency Measures
The MEPC adopted four sets of guidelines intended to assist in the implementation of the mandatory Regulations on Energy Efficiency for Ships in MARPOL Annex VI, which are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013:
– 2012 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships;
– 2012 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP);
– 2012 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI);
– Guidelines for calculation of reference lines for use with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). The guidelines adopted will support Member States in their uniform implementation of the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships, adopted in July 2011, which add a new chapter 4 to Annex VI on Regulations on energy efficiency for ships to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships.
EEDI
The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.
SEEMP
The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships.
Development of Further Guidelines
The MEPC also agreed an updated work plan for the development of further guidelines and the development of energy efficiency frameworks for those ships not covered by the current EEDI regulations. A full overview of the MEPC meeting can be found on https://www.imo.org/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/09MEPC63ENDS.aspx[the IMO website].
