The MEPC 78 noted the progress made by the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 12) in advancing towards the revision of the Initial GHG Strategy and the development of a ‘basket of candidate mid-term measures’. 

Further work will continue in ISWG-GHG 13 before the next session (MEPC 79, 12-16 December 2022) and two further meetings of ISWG-GHG are planned prior to MEPC 80 in order to keep up the momentum.

The revision will take into account the commitment to strengthen the levels of ambition of the Initial Strategy and the needs of developing States, in particular Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Member States and international organizations were invited to contribute to refine proposals for GHG reduction in the medium term.

Guidelines adopted to support short-term measures

The MEPC adopted a series of guidelines to support the implementation of the short-term measure to reduce ships' carbon intensity in accordance with the timelines set out in the Initial IMO GHG Strategy. The short-term measure enters into force on 1 November 2022 and introduces the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), the annual operational carbon intensity indicator (CII) rating, and an enhanced Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides approved

The MEPC agreed to designate the entire Mediterranean Sea as an emission control area, meaning that from 2025, ships will have to comply with more stringent controls on sulphur oxide emissions. In a Sox ECA, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships is 0.10% mass by mass (m/m), while outside these areas the limit is 0.50% m/m.

BWM Convention experience-building phase and application

In 2017, MEPC 71 established the experience‑building phase associated with the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM) (resolution MEPC.290(71)), in order to carry out a systematic and evidence-based review of the BWM Convention, potentially leading to revision of the Convention and the development of a package of amendments. Following consideration of the data analysis report on the experience‑building phase, the MEPC agreed in principle to develop a BWM Convention Review Plan (CRP and established a Correspondence Group on Review of the BWM Convention.

The MEPC also approved revised Guidance on methodologies that may be used for enumerating viable organisms for type approval of ballast water management systems, and guidelines for re-evaluations in cases where modifications have been made to a ballast water management system.

Discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) – guidelines approved

MEPC Circular on 2022 Guidelines were approved for risk and impact assessments of the discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems.

Marine litter: Mandatory garbage record books for smaller ships approved

The MEPC approved draft amendments to MARPOL Annex V, to extend the Garbage Record Books mandatory requirement from ships of 400 gross tonnage and above to ships of 100 gross tonnage and above, with a view to subsequent adoption.

Marine litter: marking of fishing gear

The MEPC noted the ongoing work in the PPR Sub-Committee on marking of fishing gear, which has been identified as a key action in order to reduce marine plastic litter from lost, abandoned and otherwise discarded fishing gear.

Following discussion, the MEPC instructed the Sub‑Committee to develop draft amendments to MARPOL Annex V and associated guidelines to make the marking of fishing gear mandatory, using a goal-based approach.

As a short-term measure, the Committee instructed the PPR Sub‑Committee to develop an appropriate MEPC circular to promote the implementation of fishing gear marking systems and the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for the Marking of Fishing Gear.

Protecting seas in the Arctic - regional arrangements for port reception facilities

The MEPC approved, for subsequent adoption, draft amendments to the MARPOL annexes to allow States with ports in the Arctic region to enter into regional arrangements for port reception facilities. The draft amendments relate to MARPOL Annexes I (oil), II (noxious liquid substances), IV (sewage), V (garbage) and VI (air pollution). Related draft amendments to the 2012 Guidelines for the development of a regional reception facility plan (resolution MEPC.221(63)) were also agreed.

Revision of the Anti-fouling Systems Convention - guidelines adopted

The MEPC adopted revised guidelines to support implementation of the AFS Convention, following the adoption, in 2021, of amendments to include controls on the biocide cybutryne: Guidelines for brief sampling of anti-fouling systems on ships; Guidelines for inspection of anti-fouling systems on ships; and Guidelines for survey and certification of anti-fouling systems on ships.

More information:

• Report of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) - 78th session, 6-10 June 2022