At its biannual gathering in early October in London
This included the adoption of revisions to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the implementation of the ballast water and ship recycling conventions, and the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases from ships.
While the agenda was quite packed, below is a summary of those topics that will affect yachts.
MARPOL Annex VI: Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping
The MEPC proposed amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to make mandatory, for new ships (and yachts), the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). Both of these proposed regulations have already been distributed for voluntary use by the industry. The circulated draft amendments will be considered by the committee’s next session in July 2011.
The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific yacht design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, yacht designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the yacht to comply with the regulations.
The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for a yacht to improve the energy efficiency of their operations. As a reminder, yachts are considered cargo ships for regulatory purposes.
MARPOL Annex V: revised text approved
The MEPC approved, with a view to adoption at its next session, amendments to revise and update MARPOL Annex V (Garbage). This amendment was developed following a comprehensive review of the Annex. The main revisions include:
a) the updating of definitions;
b) the inclusion of a new requirement specifying that the discharge of garbage into the sea is prohibited, except as expressly provided otherwise. The discharges permitted in certain circumstances will include food wastes, cargo residues, and water used for washing deck and external surfaces containing cleaning agents or additives which are not harmful to the marine environment;
c) expansion of the requirements for placards and garbage management plans to fixed and floating platforms engaged in exploration and exploitation of the sea-bed; and
d) the proposed addition of discharge requirements covering animal carcasses.
Yachts certified to carry fifteen or more people (guests plus crew) are required to implement a waste management plan and garbage record book.
Ballast water management systems approved
The MEPC granted final approval to six ballast water management systems that make use of active substances and basic approval to three such systems. This is an important step to help with the construction of new, large yachts.
When the IMO published the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments in 2004, many of the requirements stipulated in this regulation could not be met. The technology simply did not exist and had not yet been invented.
With these new approvals, there are now sufficient methods to achieve compliance. Ratification of the convention is expected in 2011, with an in force date 12 months later.
Recycling of ships:
The MEPC continued its work on developing guidelines to assist ship recycling facilities to commence voluntary improvements for the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. This regulation was adopted in May 2009.
Yachts to be sent for recycling will be required to carry an inventory of hazardous materials, which will be specific to each yacht. An appendix to the convention provides a list of hazardous materials. These identified materials are prohibited and/or restricted from installation or use in shipyards, repair yards, and yachts of parties to the convention. Yachts will be required to have an initial survey by an approved expert to verify the inventory of hazardous materials. Additional surveys during the life of the ship, and a final survey prior to recycling must also be completed.
MARPOL Annex IV: special area proposal approved
The MEPC approved draft amendments to amend MARPOL Annex IV (Sewage). The revision is to include the establishment of “special areas” for the prevention of such pollution and to designate the Baltic Sea as a special area under this annex. The amendments will be considered for adoption at the next session. Currently, “zero discharge zones” such as California and the Great Lakes , are identified and enforced by the local port state.
MARPOL Annex VI: revised IAPP form supplement adopted
The MEPC adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Air) related to the Form of Supplement to the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate. The revised form is intended to clearly and precisely document the extent of a yacht’s compliance with regulations 4 and 14 regarding sulphur oxide (SOx) values, or the possibility of using equivalent arrangements, outside or inside an Emission Control Area (ECA).
All yachts of 400 gross tonnage and greater must be surveyed and certificated to this standard.
MARPOL Annex VI: Emission Control Area proposal postponed to next session
Due to time constraints, the MEPC was unable to fully consider a proposal to designate certain waters adjacent to coasts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an ECA for the control of emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOX), sulphur oxide (SOX), and particulate matter.
Currently, there are two designated ECAs under MARPOL Annex VI: the Baltic Sea area and the North Sea area. A new third area, the North American ECA, was adopted in March 2010, with expected entry into force in August 2011.
Yachts operating in designated ECAs are required to comply with more stringent fuel sulfur and engine NOx limits.
Source: The Triton. By Jake DesVergers; November 30, 2010
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