The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) held its 74th session from 13 to 17 May, 2019. The key subjects are the following:

1.Amendments to MARPOL and to mandatory Codes

MARPOL amendments – Use of electronic record books (The expected entry into force date is 1 October 2020).

MARPOL amendments – Cargo residues and tank washings of persistent floating noxious liquid substances (The expected entry into force date is 1 January 2021).

MARPOL amendments – EEDI regulations for ice-strengthened ships (The expected entry into force date is 1 October 2020).

IBC Code amendments for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code), and amendments to the Code for the construction and equipment of ships carrying dangerous chemicals in bulk (BCH Code) were also adopted ( The expected entry into force date is 1 January 2021).

NOX Technical Code 2008 amendments to the use of Electronic Record Books, Certification requirements for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and requirements related to marine diesel engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems (The expected entry into force date is 1 October 2020).

2.Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships

A number of measures aimed at supporting the achievement of the objectives set out in the initial IMO strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. Sustainable Development. The MEPC approved amendments are the following:

-Strengthen existing mandatory requirements for new ships to be more energy efficient -initiated the Fourth IMO GHG Study.

-Adopted a resolution encouraging cooperation with ports to reduce emission from shipping -approved a procedure for the impact assessment of new measures proposed.

-Agreed to establish a multi-donor trust fund for GHG.

– Agreed terms of reference for the sixth and seventh intersessional working groups to be held in November 2019 and in March 2020 respectively in order to expedite the work.

– Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to significantly strengthen the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) “phase 3” requirements, for adoption at the next session in April 2020.

3.Implementation of the sulphur 2020 limit

The MEPC approved and adopted a comprehensive set of guidance and guidelines to support the consistent implementation of the lower 0.50% limit on sulphur in ships’ fuel oil, which will enter into effect from 1 January 2020.  Related draft MARPOL amendments were also approved.

4.Marine plastic litter action plan   

Following up on the IMO Action Plan to address marine plastic litter from ships adopted at the last session, the MEPC approved the terms of reference for an IMO Study on marine plastic litter from ships, to focus on information on the contribution of all ships to marine plastic litter and information of storage, delivery and reception of plastic waste from and collected by ships. A Correspondence Group was established, to finalize a draft strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships, based on discussions during MEPC 74, and report to MEPC 75.

5.Ballast water management treaty implementation

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention), entered into force in September 2017 and has, to date, been ratified by 81 countries, representing 80.76% of world merchant shipping tonnage. Amendments to the treaty, relating to implementation timelines, will enter into force on 13 October 2019.

The MEPC approved amendments to the BWM Convention concerning commissioning testing of ballast water management systems and the form of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate. The amendments will be circulated with a view to adoption at MEPC 75. The Committee endorsed the view that commissioning testing should begin as soon as possible, in accordance with the already approved Guidance for the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems (BWM.2/Circ.70)

6.Approval of other amendments, guidance and other matters    

The MEPC approved amendments related to the impacts of a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel in Arctic waters, to the Guide on practical implementation of the pollution prevention and response treaties, to the OPRC Convention and the OPRC-HNS Protocol and to the International Convention for the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships.

Source: https:// www.imo.org

Contact us to receive a professional advisory in your area of interest