MEPC -76 meeting held from June 10 to 17, 2021; this was the 76th session of the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76) which took place remotely with a limited agenda. MEPC 76 adopted technical and operational measures to reduce international shipping's carbon intensity, which will go into effect in 2023. The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), enhanced Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) assessment scheme is among the metrics.
The meeting highlighted three essential things which are very much relevant for the owners and managers of ships. First, to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping, IMO adopted technical and operational measures (EEXI, CII and SEEMP), including supporting guidelines; establishes ship rating system. Second, In Arctic waters, ships are prohibited from using or transporting heavy fuel oil for use as fuel. Third, adopted a ban on cybutryne in anti-fouling systems.
MEPC 76 adopted the following EEXI guidelines:
- Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)
- Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)
- Guidelines on the shaft/engine power limitation system comply with the EEXI requirements and use of a power reserve.
MEPC 76 adopted the following CII guidelines:
- Guidelines on operational carbon intensity indicators and the calculation methods (G1)
- Guidelines on the reference lines for use with operational carbon intensity indicators (G2)
- Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity reduction factors relative to reference lines (G3)
- Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity rating of ships (G4)
Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)
- Due to time restrictions, the proposed SEEMP rules were referred to a Correspondence Group for further work and adoption at MEPC 78 in 2022 at the earliest.
- MEPC 76 agreed to clarify the regulatory wording by stating that the SEEMP verification and audit obligation would only apply to ships with a gross tonnage of more than 5,000 GT subjects to the CII requirements.
Amendments to the following IMO instruments were adopted by the MEPC 76:
MARPOL Annex VI – To take technical and operational measures to minimize the carbon intensity of international shipping.
The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) applicable from the first annual, intermediate, or renewal I APP survey after January 1, 2023. The operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating scheme takes effect on January 1, 2023, and the upgraded Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) requires an approved SEEMP to be carried on board from January 1, 2023.
MARPOL Annex I – Ban on the use and carriage to fuel heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic waters. The amendments will enter into force on November 1, 2022.
MARPOL Annexes I and IV: Survey and certification standards are waived for unmanned, non-self-propelled UNSP barges. The amendments will take effect on November 1, 2022.
Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships Convention (AFS) – Controls on cybutryne and form of the International Anti-fouling System Certificate. The amendments will enter into force on January 1, 2023.
Albion Marine Solutions advises customers to assess potential technical and operational changes to meet the forthcoming requirement and plan for the creation of an EEXI Technical File and a SEEMP. For more information, get in touch with Albion Marine Solution
