IMO issues new amendments to MARPOL Annex VI

The International Maritime Organization's resolution MEPC.385(81), adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), introduces amendments to MARPOL Annex VI.

These amendments focus on:

• Addressing issues related to low-flashpoint fuels and other fuel oil matters.
• Replacing marine diesel engines with steam systems.
• Enhancing data accessibility and granularity in the IMO Ship Fuel Consumption Database (IMO DCS).

Key provisions of the resolution include:

1. Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI in accordance with MARPOL Article 16(2)(d).
2. Determination that amendments will be deemed accepted by 1 February 2025 unless objections meeting specified criteria are raised.
3. Stipulation that amendments will enter into force on 1 August 2025 upon their acceptance.
4. Invitation to Parties to consider early application of amendments to appendix IX starting from 1 January 2025.
5. Request to the Secretary-General to transmit certified copies of the resolution and amendment texts to all Parties to MARPOL.
6. Additional request to transmit copies of the resolution and its annex to Members of the IMO who are not Parties to MARPOL.

The amendments themselves, detailed in the annex, include changes to regulations such as:

• Definition updates for fuel oil and gas fuel.
• Requirements for major conversions involving marine diesel engines.
• Adjustments to regulations concerning nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulphur oxides (SOX), particulate matter, and fuel oil availability and quality.

These changes aim to strengthen environmental protection measures and enhance operational standards in maritime fuel usage under MARPOL Annex VI.

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

Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to Amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973, as Modified by the Protocol of 1978 Relating Thereto