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The International Maritime Organization’s (“IMO”) Marine Environment Protection Committee (“MEPC”) has approved several amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“MARPOL”), including designation of portions of the Caribbean Sea as a new emission control area (“ECA”), designation of the Baltic Sea as a Special Area with respect to sewage pollution from ships, and adoption of a revised Annex V related to the control of garbage. The MEPC also adopted mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) from international shipping through energy-efficiency improvements, designated the Strait of Bonifacio as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (“PSSA”) and adopted recommendations and guidelines aimed at reducing transfer of aquatic species, ballast water management, and ship recycling.
Energy Efficiency
New regulations governing energy efficiency for ships were adopted, including a mandatory Energy Efficiency Design Index (“EEDI”) for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (“SEEMP”) for all ships. The EEDI is a performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry, so long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained. The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships.
The MEPC also agreed to continue the work on energy efficiency measures for ships, including development of the EEDI framework for ship types and sizes, and propulsion systems, not covered by the current EEDI requirements, and the development of EEDI and SEEMP-related guidelines.
The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above and are expected to enter into force on January 1, 2013, unless waived on an individual basis by the IMO.
Complete post at:
http://www.omm.com/imos-environmental-committee-approves-several-new-requirements-08-08-2011/
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