International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopts key mandatory measures to reduce ships’ carbon intensity; establishes ship rating system.

LONDON, 17 June 2021 – Prohibiting HFO in the Arctic

The MEPC adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex I (addition of a new regulation 43A) to introduce a prohibition on the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil (HFO) by ships in Arctic waters on and after 1 July 2024.

The prohibition will cover the use and carriage for use as fuel of oils having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s. Ships engaged in securing the safety of ships, or in search and rescue operations, and ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response would be exempted. Ships which meet certain construction standards with regard to oil fuel tank protection would need to comply on and after 1 July 2029.

A Party to MARPOL with a coastline bordering Arctic waters may temporarily waive the requirements for ships flying its flag while operating in waters subject to that Party’s sovereignty or jurisdiction, up to 1 July 2029.

The amendments were approved at MEPC 75, see https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/MEPC-75th-session.aspx.

See the full article regarding the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee’s deliverables here.