Maritime News

A prohibition on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuels in Arctic waters comes into effect in 2024.

The 10th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 10) was held in London from 24 to 28 April 2023. A wide range of topics was on the agenda, including biofouling, ballast water management, black carbon, sewage treatment and marine plastic litter. PPR 10 agreed on revised guidelines on biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species.

Shipowners and operators of ships of 5,000gt and above engaged in international shipping are required to submit annual fuel oil consumption data to their Flag Administration or a Recognised Organisation nominated by the Flag.

The EU Regulation on Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions from Maritime Transport has been transposed into UK law by SI 2018/1388, referred to as the UK MRV Regulations 2018. Furthermore, the UK has issued MIN 669 on Reporting Emissions Data into the UK MRV Regime providing guidance on reporting requirements, and MGN 662 providing templates for the UK MRV regime.

From 1 January 2023, ships of 5,000 GT (Gross Tonnage) and above must have a verified Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, or SEEMP Part III, on board to document how their vessel plans to achieve its Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) targets.

The SEEMP Part III applies to any vessel on international voyages of 5,000GT and above, and is one of the following ship types defined in MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 2: bulk carrier, combination carrier, containership, cruise passenger ship, gas carrier, general cargo ship, LNG carrier, refrigerated cargo carrier, ro-ro cargo ship, ro-ro cargo ship (vehicle carrier), ro-ro passenger ship, tanker.