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MEPC 78 noted the updated International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) recommended procedures and guidelines concerning the determination and verification of EEDI. 

The updates include:

• The resistance test.
• Propulsion/bollard pull test.
• Performance prediction method for unequally loaded multiple propeller vessels.
• Preparation and conduct of speed trials.
• Calculation of Weather Factor for Decrease of Ship Speed in Waves

The following topics were deferred until MEPC 79:

• Draft amendments to the 2018 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships (resolution MEPC.308(73) as amended) to clarify the cubic capacity correction factor for LNG carriers.
• Amendments to Shaft Power Limitation concept for EEDI.
• Introduction of EEDI Phase 4.
• EEDI application dates for passenger ships with non-conventional propulsion.
• Proposed amendments to the revised 2018 Guidelines on calculating the attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships to add a CF conversion factor for ethane.
• EEDI reduction beyond Phase 2 – consideration for large tankers / other technical issues affecting the evolution of EEDI

This year's Day of the Seafarer theme, "Your voyage - then and now, share your journey," invites seafarers worldwide to share images and information about what truly resonates with them, whether a positive experience or challenging circumstances.

The maritime world is rapidly changing. Ships are becoming more environmentally friendly with increased digitization and diverse crews. As the industry's lifeblood, Seafarers are at the forefront of this evolution, implementing new regulations, learning new skills, and adopting safer, more efficient working practices. As the world's merchant fleet travels the oceans, the onboard crews continue their professional journey. 

Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the IMO, stated: "Every seafarer's journey is unique. Nonetheless, many of the challenges and opportunities are shared. On this Day of the Seafarer, we can look forward. Seafarers' voyages are changing due to new technologies and equipment, increased use of alternative fuels, and increased responsibilities for a greener and more sustainable future for the industry and the marine environment." 

The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting was held remotely from June 6 to 10, 2022. MEPC 78 finalized guidelines for the EEXI, CII, and SEEMP. With these guidelines in place, the EEXI, CII, and SEEMP are ready for implementation.

The EEXI technical file must be approved before the first annual, intermediate, or renewal IAPP survey or the initial IEE survey on or after January 1, 2023. The SEEMP Part III must be approved and implemented by January 1, 2023. The first CII report based on 2023 data is due no later than March 31, 2024.

Don't delay. There is now only a short time left to achieve compliance. Albion Marine Solutions offers a comprehensive fleet solution-based package for improving vessel performance in relation to EEXI compliance requirements. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Other major highlights of the MEPC 78 meeting include:

• Consideration of revisions to the IMO GHG Strategy, as well as future technical and market-based measures
• The approval of a new sulphur emission control area (SECA) is expected to take effect on July 1, 2025, subject to final approval at MEPC 79 in December 2022.
• Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex I and the IBC Code on watertight doors and Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex II on the Hazard Evaluation Procedure for chemical tanker products  
• Extension of the ballast water experience building phase

On June 1, 2022, IMO Resolution MEPC.325(75) to the BWM #Convention entered into force. Following the successful installation of any ballast water treatment system, ballast water commissioning testing in accordance with BWM.2/Circ.70, rev1 must be performed. 

The major revision points are specified below.

• Regardless of organism concentrations in the water, should use local ambient water.
• Using indicative analysis methods, representative samples should be analyzed for the two size classes of organisms, namely ≥ 50 μm and ≥ 10 μm to < 50 μm, as specified in the D-2 standard. Microbes analysis is not required. 
• Accordingly, ship operators are advised to observe the requirement for a commissioning test at any BWTS commissioning survey completed on or after June 1, 2022. The test requires ballast water samples at the discharge line after treatment by the new BWTS and analysis of the samples by accepted laboratories.  

Hence, mandatory commissioning testing/sampling shall be considered in your contract with your BWTS manufacturer for commissioning after June 1, 2022. Albion Marine Solutions is North America's only ABS-approved service provider for biological Ballast Water Treatment systems can assist with IMO-D2 and the US EPA VGP testing services at worldwide locations. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.