Antigua and Barbuda issues notice on the outcome of the MEPC meetings and new requirements

The Antigua and Barbuda Maritime Administration on 15 May 2023 issued an information notice regarding the outcome of the Marine Environment Protection Committee meetings and new regulatory requirements.

This notice is addressed to all ship owners, operators, masters, and officers of Antigua and Barbuda flagged ships, and recognized organizations.

This Information Notice supersedes the previous Notice 2021-004 and highlights the results of MEPC 76 meetings, focusing on the shipping industry's decarbonization efforts and emission reduction goals.

New regulatory requirements have been adopted to address technical and operational efficiency, including the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEXI) for existing ships.

Key Points

1. MEPC 76 Overview: The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to decarbonize and reduce emissions. IMO's GHG reduction strategy aims to reduce total GHG emissions by 50% by 2050, with interim targets for carbon intensity reductions. The adoption of sustainable fuels and technology development are crucial for achieving these goals.
2. Explanations: MEPC 76 introduced new CO2 regulations, including the EEXI, Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and enhanced Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). These regulations address ship efficiency and emissions during operations, requiring compliance and adaptation.
3. Deferred Items: Some items, such as energy efficiency technologies and in-service sea trials for ship speed determination, have been deferred to MEPC 77 in November 2021.
4. Further Amendments: MEPC 76 also adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex I, prohibiting the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil in Arctic waters. Additionally, exemptions were granted for Unmanned Non-Self-Propelled (UNSP) barges from survey and certification requirements for oil and sewage pollution. Amendments to the Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships Convention (AFS) were made to include controls on cybutryne.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Outcome of Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meetings and new regulatory requirements