MEPC.340(77) completely revises Guidelines for EGCS

Since the latest revision of MARPOL Annex VI, which significantly strengthened the emission limits for sulphur oxides (SOx), a need to revise related instruments has kept the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) busy. On their 77th session, among others, they adopted resolution MEPC.340(77) which completely revises Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS).

The Guidelines, which supersede 2015 Guidelines, clarify a number of parameters to provide consistent terminology and enhance the uniform application of the EGCS standards. The document describes two schemes for approval of an EGCS: Scheme A (system certification with in-service continuous operational parameter monitoring and periodic emission checks) and Scheme B (continuous emission monitoring by means of an approved monitoring system together with periodic operational parameter checks).

The updated guidelines are applicable to:

1) EGCSs installed on ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 26 May 2022;

2) EGCSs installed on ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 26 May 2022, which have a contractual delivery date of EGCS to the ship on or after 26 May 2022 or, in the absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery of the EGCS to the ship on or after 26 May 2022; or

3) amendments to the EGCS Technical Manual “Scheme A” or “Scheme B” which affect the performance of the EGCS with respect to emissions to air and/or water that are undertaken on or after 26 May 2022.

Systems approved under the 2015 EGCS Guidelines (MEPC.259(68)) and installed prior to 26 May 2022 will not require reapproval.

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS (AVAILABLE ONLY TO SUBSCRIBERS):

MEPC.340(77) - Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

MEPC 77/16 - Report of the Marine Environment Protection Committee on its Seventy-seventh Session