The IMO Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) held its 78th session (MEPC 78) remotely from June 6-10, 2022. This article summarises the outcomes from MEPC 78.
The Club's Correspondent, Vitsan, has issued a Circular to advise Members of amendments and new provisions in the Turkish Environmental Law for Marine Pollution Incidents, published in the Official Gazette on 15 June 2022.
In their latest alert to their clients, ECM Maritime Services, LLC reports on clarification received from the EPA relating to the requisite frequency of sampling and analysis of treated ballast water discharges from USCG type approved Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) and Alternate Management systems (AMS)* onboard vessels subject to VGP requirements
The IMO has adopted amendments to the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention (AFS convention) vide Resolution MEPC 331 (76), which restricts the use of Cybutryne and also includes an operative passage with respect to the issuance of the new AFS certificate.
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has confirmed that they have detected chlorinated hydrocarbons on fuel samples representing HSFO deliveries in Singapore.
The Club would like to remind all Members and industry stakeholders to proactively start preparations for the BWTS installations if they have not already been scheduled.
These amendments will enter into force on 1 April 2022.
China and South Korea has announced implementation of their own fuel sulphur caps with emission control areas requiring use of 0.1% sulphur fuels.
The Club would like to draw Members' attention to the 2022 tariffs for sea pollution fines in Turkey, applicable from 1 January 2022.
MEPC 77 - A Summary
17/12/2021
The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee met virtually and in person on 22-26 November 2021 for its 77th session (MEPC 77).
COP26 - A summary
02/12/2021
After two weeks of intensive and tense negotiations, the outcome of COP26 can probably be best summed up by the words of its President, Mr Alok Sharma; "Today, we can say with credibility that we have kept 1,5 degrees within reach - but, its pulse is weak"; below is an overview of the wider measures and initiatives to emerge from COP26, as well as a more detailed summary of the shipping-related elements.
In December 2020, the Club provided the below update on the California ballast water discharge regulations reporting that the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) had issued a notice of Approval of Amendment to Articles of the California Code of Regulations, these amendments will become effective on 1 January 2022.
The Sea Cargo Charter
08/09/2021
The Sea Cargo Charter ("the Charter") provides a global transparent framework and baseline for assessing and disclosing the climate alignment of chartering activities.
On 14 July 2021 the European Commission adopted the EU's "Fit for 55" package which consists of a set of inter-connected proposals that will together deliver the EU's ambition of reducing its greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and for the EU to become a climate neutral continent by 2050.
The Club would like to alert Members to a worrying development at Ukrainian ports
This article examines the outlook for offshore wind farms in the United States, including the two types of offshore wind farm, regulatory compliance and more
Canada Ballast Water Regulations - Update
16/07/2021
Transport Canada recently announced an update to their Ballast Water Regulations (SOR/2021-120) which entered into immediate effect
The 76th session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76) was held remotely with a limited agenda from 10 to 17 June 2021
The new Environment Examination Regulation number 31509 dated 12 June 2021 was published and contained inspection information, and does not contain any increase on fine amount, thus the Pollution tariff 2021 is still valid.