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During the berthing period, the ship's main engine is turned off. However, the ship must continue operating its auxiliary engines and boilers to generate electricity for essential tasks such as communication, lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and onboard devices. Typically, this electricity is produced by generators (auxiliary engines) through the combustion of marine fuels, resulting in air emissions that are harmful to the environment, air quality, and human health.

Alternate Marine Power AMP is a beneficial solution to reduce ship-caused emissions considerably. Alternate Marine Power, or AMP is an anti-pollution measure; AMP is used when the ship is halting at a port so that the ship's engines (working on diesel) do not need to be used unnecessarily. Ships can shut down the auxiliary engine at berths and use the required power from the national grid to reduce air emissions. This technology is known as 'alternative maritime power'  It's beneficial for ship operators to turn towards alternate marine power solutions to help reduce the emissions from ships by a significant margin. AMP can considerably decrease SO2, NOx, PM, CO, VOC, CO2, N2 O, and CH4 emissions. Further, the system eliminates noise and vibration from ships in the port area. Because of less emissions and noise, AMP affects air quality and human health.

A reliable solution and a trustworthy engineering and service partner is crucial for alternative marine power solutions. Albion Marine Solutions excels as a proficient turnkey solution integrator; our alternative marine power solutions (AMP) adhere to the standards for high voltage/ low Voltage shore connection systems in providing a cost-effective hardware solution for different vessel types, such as large container ships, passenger ferries, RO-Pax, RO-RO vessels, and tankers.

Albion goes beyond being a mere supplier of Alternative Marine Power Solutions, extending our role as a global partner capable of offering comprehensive through-life management, spare parts, maintenance, training, and worldwide support services; for more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The companies associated with two MR tankers, two container ships, and a dry bulk carrier have been fined significantly for violating the Clean Water Act, the EPA's Vessel General Permit guidelines. 

EPA takes compliance with the Vessel General Permit – a key element under the Clean Water Act. Vessel General Permit refers to collecting and analyzing water samples from a vessel to assess compliance with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is important for vessel owners and operators to properly manage what they discharge while sailing in US waters and meet their monitoring and reporting requirements. 

The shipping companies have reached settlements with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to settle claims of breaching the agency's Vessel General Permit, falling under the Clean Water Act involving severe penalties of over US $100,000 and US $200,000 for non-compliance in ballast water discharge, inspections procedures, monitoring protocols, and timely reporting.

To avoid such hefty fines, vessel owners and operators can turn to Albion Marine Solutions for reliable Ballast Water Sampling services, comply with mandatory IMO-D2 and VGP guidelines, and safeguard themselves from significant financial penalties. We have completed over 600 projects worldwide recognized by reputable organizations such as ABS and Lloyd's as a service supplier for the Biological Testing of Ballast Water Treatment Systems. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

MEPC 80, the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has adopted a revised GHG Strategy. The main objective of the revised strategy is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in international shipping. The new targets aim for a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040, compared to 2008. The ultimate goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

 Albion Marine Solutions: Your Trusted Partner in Sustainable Shipping.

We offer turnkey solutions to help you reduce GHG emissions from your shipping operations. Our comprehensive approach combines cutting-edge technologies, expert guidance, and tailored strategies to optimize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Trust Albion Marine Solutions to navigate the transition to a greener future.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting:

• Adoption of an updated GHG Strategy with enhanced goals 

• Adoption of guidelines for assessing the lifecycle of marine fuels 

• Approval of amendments to the Data Collection System (DCS), mandating more comprehensive fuel consumption data 

• Approval of circular outlining regulations for the use of biofuels under the DCS and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)

Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI): In MEPC 80, an agreement was reached to correct the comparison of tank sizes for dual fuel engines in the EEDI survey and certification guidelines.

Reporting power reserve usage for ShaPoLi/EPL systems in the EEXI framework: MEPC 80 adopted revised "Guidelines on the Shaft/Engine Power Limitation System to Comply with the EEXI Requirements and Use of a Power Reserve." These guidelines establish consistent reporting requirements and a format for reporting power reserve usage to the administration.

Review of the Energy Efficiency Existing Ships Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII): MEPC 80 established a plan to review the short-term GHG reduction measures, CII, and EEXI.

Revision of the Data Collection System (DCS): MEPC 80 approved amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI, which include additional data elements to be reported through the DCS. These elements encompass fuel consumption per fuel type and energy consumption by various systems. The amendments also address the accessibility of data in Regulation 27, allowing data to be shared with IMO-contracted consultants under strict confidentiality agreements.

Use of biofuels under the DCS and CII: MEPC 80 agreed on a circular that provides a unified approach for accounting the use of biofuels under Regulations 26, 27, and 28 of MARPOL Annex VI (DCS and CII).

Reduction of GHG emissions - Revision of the IMO GHG Strategy: The initial 50% GHG reduction ambition by 2050 has been significantly strengthened in the revised strategy. The updated strategy aims to reduce well-to-wake GHG emissions by 20%, with a target of 30% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 (compared to 2008 levels). The strategy also seeks to achieve net-zero emissions around 2050. Additionally, there is a 2030 target to adopt zero or near-zero GHG emissions technologies, fuels, and/or energy sources, accounting for at least 5% and striving for 10% of the energy used in international shipping.

Mid and long-term measures to reduce GHG emissions: To achieve these ambitions, the IMO has decided to implement a combination of measures. Firstly, a technical element will be introduced, which involves a goal-based marine fuel standard regulating the gradual reduction of marine fuel GHG intensity. Secondly, an economic element will be implemented, in the form of a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism directly linked to the GHG intensity mechanism.

Life cycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels: MEPC 80 adopted the "Guidelines on Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels" (LCA Guidelines). These guidelines outline the methods for calculating well-to-wake and tank-to-wake GHG emissions for all fuels, and energy carriers used onboard ships, including electricity.

Onboard carbon capture: MEPC 80 discussed initiating a work process on the application of onboard carbon capture and storage or utilization. However, the decision was made to postpone further discussions on this matter until the next inter-sessional meeting of the Working Group on GHG reductions.

Further, MEPC 80 has approved amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention, specifically related to the format of the Ballast Water Record Book. The objective is to enhance the accuracy and clarity of recorded information regarding ballast water operations on ships. These amendments will become effective on 1 February 2025.

Concerning the ballast water record-keeping and reporting, MEPC 80 has approved the circular titled "Guidance on matters relating to ballast water record-keeping and reporting." Additionally, the Committee has adopted the resolution titled "Guidance for the Use of Electronic Records Books under the BWM Convention."

In relation to biofouling, MEPC 80 has adopted the revised "Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ship's Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to comply with mandatory requirements.

We are delighted to announce that our team has successfully designed, manufactured, and supplied two centrifugal pumps that are DNV Class approved and specifically tailored for Ballast pump applications.

💡 What sets our pumps apart is the rigorous testing they undergo. The performance test is carried out in accordance with ISO 2548 Class C, ensuring compliance with international quality standards. Moreover, during the Hydrostatic pressure test, we verified the pumps' resilience by subjecting them to 1.5 times the pump delivery pressure against a closed discharge valve.

Whether you require equipment for ballast systems or any other marine application, With Albion Marine Solutions as your trusted partner, you can rely on our extensive expertise in supplying top-quality marine equipment: GRE pipes, Carbon steel pipes, Electric Panels, Ballast Pumps, Expansion Bellows, Offshore Marine Cables, Valves, Strainers, Mechanical seals, Ballast Water Treatment System, Exhaust Gas Cleaning System, and Fuel Gas Supply systems.

We are committed to providing the best solutions that meet our client needs. Contact us today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discover how our supply capabilities can elevate your marine operations.