Implementation of MARPOL Annex VI Regulations in the State of Israel issued by Liberia

Liberia Maritime Authority has issued the Marine Advisory Note MA 03/2023 about the implementation of MARPOL Annex VI regulations in the State of Israel.

This note was published on February 7th, 2023, and becomes effective from February 23rd, 2023.

Purpose

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to inform Liberian vessel shipowners, operators, and masters, that the State of Israel Ministry of Transport and Road Safety has passed a new regulation implementing Annex VI of MARPOL which is effective as of 23 February 2023.

Requirements and Alternatives

The new regulations prohibit the use of fuel oil with sulphur content of more than 0.10% m/m when vessels are moored alongside port or waiting at designated anchorages areas in the state of  Israel, similar to the requirements in EU member States, based on the EU directive.

Use of an approved exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) in closed loop mode; or EGCS with dedicated tanks to hold and treat resulting wash water; or electricity from a shore connection is also an alternative compliance method.  

The Regulations require ships to change to 0.1% low Sulphur fuel, as soon as possible but not more than 1 hour after arrival/before departure to/from port (pier or anchorage), including a written procedure showing how the fuel oil change-over is to be done and shall be properly recorded in the engineering log or electronic record book approved by the Administration.

From February 23rd, 2023, using non-compliant fuel oil in Israeli ports and designated anchorage areas on board ships which are not fitted with approved EGCS, will be subject to port State control action.  

Fuel Oil Non-Availability Reports (FONAR)

The regulations also provide guidance on reporting non-availability of compliant fuel, despite best efforts to source the same.

The FONAR  must be submitted as soon as the master becomes aware that compliant fuel cannot be sourced.  

Reporting

The master, shipowner or operator of any vessel to which regulations of Annex VI applies, are requested to notify the Israeli Administration upon first arrival to an Israeli port, soon after "finish with engine" (FWE), and to report the following information attached as Annex 1 to reference (a) to: techni@mot.gov.il.

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

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Implementation of MARPOL Annex VI Regulations in the State of Israel