Working together
for a safer world
IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee
Sixty-ninth session (MEPC 69)
Summary Report
Introduction
The 69th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 69) was held from 18 to 22 April 2016,
at the IMO headquarters in London. This briefing summarises the subjects discussed which are relevant to the work of
Lloyd's Register and clients.
Overview
Many of the decisions taken at MEPC 69 have significant impacts on current practices in industry.
With regard to the status of the Ballast Water Management Convention, MEPC 69 confirmed the current situation that
there are 49 contracting States which form 34.79% of the world tonnage.
With regard to the revision of G8 guideline (MEPC.174(58) - Guidelines for approval of ballast water management
systems), MEPC 69 continued its work and further work will be carried out by the correspondence group which will
address limiting operational conditions, definitions of viability, system design limitation and others.
MEPC 69 reviewed the regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention stipulating deadlines for installing the BWM system
onboard existing ships. In principle, MEPC 69 maintains the decision given in A.1088(29).
With regard to the further technical and operational measures for enhancing energy efficiency of international shipping
MEPC 69 draft amendment to the MARPOL Convention mandating data collection was approved for adoption at MEPC
70.
Following the outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conferences held in in Paris in December 2015 (MEPC
69/7, MEPC 69/7/3) there were intense discussions on target setting of the Green House Gas (GHG) reduction. MEPC
69 agreed to continue to discuss this matter at a working group during MEPC 70.
MEPC 69 set up a new date for the Special Area under MARPOL Annex IV for sewage treatment requirements, which
applies to passenger ships visiting the area. (New passenger ships - 1 June 2019, existing passenger ship - 1 June 2021
or 2023 depending on the destination)
MEPC 69 agreed that the fuel availability study for deciding global sulphur capping will be decided at MEPC 70
(scheduled for October 2016) and agreed no legal frame work revision is needed on fuel quality issues.
Bulk carrier operators are to note that MEPC 69 did not grant extension of the provisions in MEPC.1/Circ.810. As a
result, the temporary measure of allowing the discharge of harmful to the marine environment cargo residue and cargo
hold washing water outside of the special areas (MARPOL Annex V) was confirmed to discontinue.
Summary of discussions
The following agenda items are relevant to the work of Lloyd’s Register.
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Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments (Agenda item 3)
The following were adopted for entry into force on 1 September 2017. (Details of the requirements are introduced in
Lloyd’s Register’s publication “Future IMO Legislation”)
Amendments to the MARPOL Convention
Annex II
MEPC 69 adopted a set of amendments to MARPOL Annex II related to the revised GESAMP Hazard Evaluation
Procedure.
Annex IV
MEPC 69 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex IV for postponing the establishment and enforcement of the
Special Area in the Baltic Sea and consequential amendments to the International Sewage Pollution Prevention
certificate.
The revised entry into force dates are as follows:
1. New passenger ships - contracted or constructed on or after 1 June 2019
2. Existing passenger ships - 1 June 2021 (except for the paragraph below)
MEPC 69 also adopted a separate resolution on the entry into force of the special area, which allows that existing
passenger ships en route directly to or from a port located outside the special area and to or from a port located east of
longitude 28˚10’ E within the special area that do not make any other port calls within the special area will be allowed
to comply with the requirement from 1 June 2023.
Annex VI
MEPC 69 adopted amendments to regulation 13 related to record requirements for operational compliance with NOx
Tier III emission control areas.
NOx Technical Code
MEPC 69 adopted amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008 related to the testing of gas-fuelled and dual fuel
engines for the NOx Tier III requirements. The amendments will apply to engines that are installed or designed for
intended installation on board vessels to which the NOx technical code applies as from 1 September 2017.
Harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water (Agenda item 4)
Currently the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) is ratified by 49 states (30 states are required)
representing 34.79% of the world merchant tonnage (35% is required) as of 18 April 2016.
MEPC 69 addressed various issues that are related to the BWM Convention.
Approval of new systems
A further three final approvals were granted for treatment systems using active substances in accordance with the G9
Guidelines (Procedure for approval of ballast water management systems that make use of active substances
(MEPC.169 (57)).
Readers should note that these approvals by the IMO on the use of an active substance are subject to subsequent type
approval by the flag Administration in accordance with the G8 Guidelines (Guidelines for approval of ballast water
management systems (MEPC.174(58)).
Systems that do not use an active substance do not require IMO approval; they only require type approval by the flag
Administration.
Review of the G8 Guideline
MEPC 69 reviewed the report of the Correspondence Group on the review of the Guidelines for approval of ballast
water management systems (G8) (MEPC.178(58)).
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The following were the major points of discussions:
– To make the G8 guideline mandatory or not - MEPC 69 noted the opinions but defers the decision as agreed at
MEPC 68, i.e. to decide after finalisation of the G8 Guidelines review.
– Self-monitoring - MEPC 69 discussed whether the self-monitoring system of a BWMS should include parameters
indicative to the proper functioning or failure of the BWMS. MEPC 69 was not able to fully address this issue and
tasked the correspondence group to discuss this further.)
– The definition of ‘viable organism’ - MEPC 69 could not agree to the proposed definition for viability but agrees to
develop a circular to accept methods for determining the viability of organism. Proposals were invited for PPR 4
scheduled for January 2017 taking in to account the methods proposed for compliance assessment in
BWM.2/Circ.42/Rev.1 (Guidance on ballast water sampling and analysis for trial use in accordance with the BWM
Convention and Guidelines (G2))
In addition, the following were tasked to the Intersessional Correspondence Group
– Scaling of testing.
– By-pass arrangements.
In order to facilitate the work MEPC 69 agreed to the establishment of an intersessional working group on the review
of Guidelines (G8) from 17 to 21 October 2016.
Draft amendments to regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention & Legal advice on the proposal, circulation,
adoption, acceptance and entry into force of amendments to the Convention
The BWM Convention was written based upon the assumption that the convention would enter into force by 2007,
the provision for a retrofitting schedule has to be revised. An update was done by resolution A.1088(28) but that was
subject to a formal amendment to the convention. Taking into account the advices from the Legal Office of IMO, the
draft revised regulation will simply refer to ‘renewal survey’ and the definition of the ‘renewal survey’ will be given in a
separate resolution which states that the renewal survey is the renewal survey of the IOPP certificate.
MEPC 69, reviewed the proposal on the possible extension of the installation deadline, with the condition that ships
will enhance ballast water exchanges. However, MEPC 69 disagreed to the proposal and agreed to keep the date given
in the Assembly Resolution A.1088 (28), i.e. the first renewal survey of the IOPP certificate after the entry into force of
the convention. MEPC 69 invited members who wish to pursue possible rescheduling of the installation date to submit
detailed information to MEPC 70 for further discussions.
MEPC 69, being aware that the BWM Convention cannot refer to the renewal date of the IOPP Certificate in its text as
it imposes the Parties to the BWM Convention to comply with the MARPOL Convention, which is against the law of the
international treaty, revised the proposed text of the draft amendment to regulation B-3.
The Roadmap for the implementation of the BWM Convention
As agreed at MEPC 68, Issues relating to “non-penalization” of first movers was addressed under this agenda item. At
MEPC 69, an idea of ‘upgrading’, for the system already installed in accordance with the future revised G8 guideline
was presented but was disagreed as this is against the decision made at MEPC 68.
Proposals on further guidance with regard to exceptions and exemptions under the BWM Convention
Due to time constraints, MEPC 69 was not able to discuss this subject.
Other information
Readers are to note that relevant information is provided on the IMO website. Guidance is available on the Lloyd’s
Register website for Ballast Water Management.
Air pollution and energy efficiency (Agenda item 5)
MEPC 69 discussed various issues in relation to air pollution under this agenda item. They are:
Matters relevant to EEDI & SEEMP
EEDI review required under regulation 21.6 of MARPOL Annex VI, together with information in the EEDI
database
Regulation 21 of MARPOL Annex VI that entered into force in January 2013 requires the attained EEDI of new ships not
to exceed the required EEDI. The required EEDI is determined according to ship's size and ship type by using a reference
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line value, which represents an average EEDI value of ships delivered in the preceding 10 years (from 1 January 1999 to
1 January 2009). Also it was agreed that the reduction factor, which is to be raised in a phased manner, shall apply.
According to regulation 21.6 of MARPOL Annex VI, at the beginning of phase 1 (1 January 2015) and at the midpoint
of phase 2 (1 July 2022) of the required EEDI reductions, the IMO shall review the status of technological developments
to implement the energy efficiency design index. If it is proven necessary, the IMO will amend the time periods, the
EEDI reference line parameters for relevant ship types and the reduction rates set out in regulation 21.
MEPC69, due to time constraints, left the further discussion to the correspondence group which will report the above
consideration to MEPC 71 scheduled for October 2016. In relation to this, the impact of the minimum power
requirement was briefly addressed by the working group which met during MEPC 69. Due to time constraints, the
impact of the next generation of the guidelines of minimum power requirement will not be included in the phase 2
study but at the second EEDI review process relevant to phrase 3.
2014 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for
new ships (resolution MEPC.245(66, as amended)) (2014 EEDI Calculation Guidelines)
MEPC 69 discussed the EEDI calculation method for ships using gas fuel as non-primary fuel. It was agreed in principle
at MEPC 69. A further proposal with development will be submitted to MEPC 70.
With regard to the question on correction factors for Ice Class ships and Ro-ro cargo and Ro-ro passenger ships raised
by member States during MEPC 69, MEPC 69 decided to defer the discussion to MEPC 70. Meanwhile, the
correspondence group was tasked to review this issue and recommend MEPC 70 to retain or revise correction factors
to calculate the attained EEDI and reference line for these ship types.
Revisions to 2014 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)
adopted by resolution MEPC.261(68))
Questions were raised in relation to the measurement position of water temperature and derivation of load variation
coefficients. MEPC 69 decided not to embark on this discussion.
Development of the revised minimum propulsion power Guidelines
MEPC 69 noted the progress of the SHOPERA and JASNAOE projects for development of the revised minimum
propulsion power Guidelines.
MEPC Circular on Conditions for exemption from SEEMP requirements
MEPC 69 continued the discussion on the proposal submitted to MEPC 68 on the exemption of the SEEMP
requirements onboard ships that undertake an international voyage on a ‘one-off' occasion. MEPC 69 approved an
MEPC circular recommending a temporary measure with a view to revising MARPOL Annex VI together with adoption
of an exemption certificate format in the future subject to a proposal on a new work programme by a member State.
Relevant information and studies on energy efficiency of ships
MEPC 69 noted the following information provided:
– Energy Efficiency technologies.
– Study on the optimisation of energy consumption as part of implementation of a ship energy efficiency
management plan (SEEMP).
Fuel related issues
Fuel oil quality
MEPC 69 having reviewed the report of the correspondence group and opinions expressed at the session agreed that
no change to the legal framework is required. The MEPC continue to work on the development of onboard fuel
management guidelines and guidelines for member States by the correspondence group established which will report
to MEPC 71 scheduled for May 2017.
Fuel availability study
In accordance with regulation 14.8 of MARPOL Annex VI, a review of the standard set forth in regulation 14.1.3, i.e.
0.50% m/m maximum sulphur content fuel oil on and after 1 January 2020, shall be completed by 2018 to determine
the availability of fuel oil for ships to comply.
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MEPC 69 reviewed the progress report of the Steering Committee and agreed in principle, that MEPC 70 will decide
whether there will be sufficient fuel available or not, subject to the final report that will be submitted to MEPC 70.
Further technical and operational measures for enhancing energy efficiency of
international shipping (Agenda item 6)
MEPC 69 reviewed the report of the Intersessional Working Group on Further Technical and Operational Measures for
Enhancing Energy Efficiency, which had been instructed to further consider transport work and or proxies for inclusion
in the data collection system, the issue of confidentiality and the development of guidelines.
The following is the major discussion points at MEPC 69
Surveys
It was agreed that for each ship the SEEMP shall comply with the requirements on data collection and reporting
confirmation of compliance shall be provided to the ship by the Administration. Proposed verification guidelines will
ensure consistency and provide the methodology. Provisions for issuance of Statement of Compliance should permit
recognised organizations to be authorised to issue a Statement of Compliance on behalf of the Administration
Change of owner / transfer of flag
Provisions will be made in the regulation to ensure that data collected is reported to the Administration prior to the
change or transfer.
Issuance of Statement of Compliance
Provisions requiring the data to be verified according to procedures established are included. Port State control’s role is
limited to verifying that there is a valid Statement of Compliance on board.
Access to IMO database
Only Parties to MARPOL Annex VI can access the database which will contain anonymised data only.
Information to be collected
– Identity of the ship
– IMO number
– Technical characteristics of the ship
– Ship type
– GT
– NT
– DWT
– Power output (rated power) of main and auxiliary engines (kW)
– EEDI (if applicable)
– Ice class (if applicable)
– Fuel consumption, by fuel, type, in metric tonnes and methods used for collecting fuel consumption data
– Distance travelled from berth to berth, hours not at berth
Draft amendment to the MARPOL Convention to include data collection programme, including matters
relating to operational efficiency
Taking into account the above discussions, MEPC 69 approved the draft amendment to the MARPOL Annex VI chapter
4 to mandate a data collection scheme for adoption at MEPC 70 (October 2016). Expected entry into force date is 1
March 2018.
Areas of further work
MEPC 69 established a correspondence group to continue the following work:
– Amendments to the SEEMP Guidelines to include guidance on developing methodologies to collect the data
required.
– Guidelines for Administration data verification procedures.
– Develop electronic communication and standardised reporting format.
Other information
For readers who are interested in the development at EU, please visit Lloyd’s Register’s website.
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Reduction of GHG emissions from ships (Agenda item 7)
UNFCCC Matters
The Committee noted the report from UNFCCC on the Paris Agreement.
Reduction of GHG emissions from ships
MEPC 69, having reviewed the document submitted and engaged in a long discussion, concluded:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
MEPC 69 welcomes the Paris Agreement and the contribution of the international community.
Current efforts are highly recognised and commended.
It is widely recognised and agreed that further enhancements can and should be improved.
IMO’s commitment in relation to the Paris Agreement is recognised.
Approval at this session and subsequent adoption of a data collection system is the priority.
Acknowledged the 3 step approach agreed – collect data, analyse data and further decision making.
MEPC 69 agreed to establishing a working group at MEPC 70 to identify how IMO can move forward on this
agenda item taking into account MEPC 69 papers and further proposals
Amendments to MARPOL Annex V, Form of Garbage Record Book (Agenda item 8)
Draft amendments to MARPOL Annex V – Regulation V/10.3 and Garbage Record Book form
Discussion has been ongoing since MEPC 65 (May 2013) when the original proposal was submitted, as discrepancies
were noted between the text of the MARPOL Convention and the proposed amendments to the Garbage Record Book.
MEPC 69, having considered the proposals submitted to this and previous sessions, approved draft amendments to the
MARPOL Annex V which include:
– Clarification of the term “Estimated amount of Discharged or Incinerated”, whether into the sea or to reception
facilities in the Garbage Record Book (GRB);
– Splitting the GRB into two parts (one part for all operations related to garbage other than cargo residues and a
second part for all operations related to cargo residues);
– Additional space in the GRB to record exceptional discharge or loss of garbage under regulation V/7; and
– Alignment of the regulation V/10.3 with the above amendments.
Adoption of the amendments is expected at MEPC 70 (October 2016) with an estimated entry into force date of 1
March 2018 or 1 January 2019.
In order to facilitate the future implementation of the amendments, it was agreed that the aforementioned changes to
MARPOL Annex V are consolidated with the amendments on the declaration and classification of solid bulk cargoes as
substances harmful to the marine environment (HME) (see agenda item 13).
Furthermore, MEPC 69 agreed in principle to the creation of a new garbage category for electronic waste generated
onboard (e-waste) and invited proposals to clearly define such waste at the next session.
Use of electronic record books (Agenda item 9)
MEPC 66 had instructed a Correspondence Group to finalise the draft guidance for the use of electronic record books
under MARPOL i.e., to consider and prepare any necessary amendments and/or unified interpretations of annexes of
MARPOL and consider the need for any consequential amendments to the Procedures for Port State Control, 2011
(Resolution A.1052(27)).
Having considered the report of the Correspondence Group and opinions expressed, MEPC 69 agreed to delegate the
PPR Sub-Committee to further investigate the application of electronic record books to MARPOL, especially with
regards to consistency concerning the layout to be followed. MEPC 69 considered also the suggestion to extend the
application of the draft guidance to the NOx Technical Code and include a provision for the record book of engine
parameters, and instructed PPR 4 accordingly.
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Additionally, PPR 4 is invited to consider any consequential amendments to Procedures for Port State Control, 2011
(resolution A.1052(27)) and develop relevant amendments to the MARPOL Convention.
Identification and protection of Special Areas and PSSAs (Agenda item 10)
Following the discussion at MEPC 68 (please refer to Lloyd’s Register’s MEPC 68 Summary Report), MEPC 69 continued
its discussions on the establishment of effective dates for the Baltic Sea Special Area under MARPOL Annex IV (MEPC
68/21, section 10), as well as consider any other submissions received under this agenda item.
Readers are invited to note the following:
– With regard to the special area for sewage control, an amendment to the MARPOL Annex IV regulation 1 and 11
(change of the effective date of the special area) was discussed under agenda item 3 in addition to the submissions
here.
– There will be discussion on the interpretation of “installed” on the sewage treatment plant (refer to agenda item
14).
Inadequacy of reception facilities (Agenda item 11)
Manual on "Port reception facilities – How to do it”
A revised version of the IMO Comprehensive Manual on Port Reception Facilities (1999) has been approved by MEPC
69. The updated Manual is re-named to "Port reception facilities – How to do it”. Among other updates, it provides an
explanation on prewash and additional wash related to carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) under MARPOL
Annex II and consistency with the 2012 Guidelines for the development of a regional reception facilities plan (resolution
MEPC.221(63))
Draft MEPC circular on the provision of port reception facilities for cargoes declared as harmful to the
marine environment (HME) under MARPOL Annex V (addressing similar provisions with the expired
MEPC.1/Circ.810)
Assembly 29 had requested MEPC 69 to consider the issue as a matter of urgency.
Under the MARPOL Annex V, discharge of cargo hold washwater containing HME at sea is prohibited. The expired
MEPC.1/Circ.810 permitted the discharge of such water at sea outside special areas providing there was inadequacy of
reception facilities. MEPC 69 after a lengthy discussion, agreed not to develop an MEPC Circular that would extend the
provisions of MEPC.1/Circ.810. Masters are encouraged to report alleged inadequacies of port reception facilities.
Report of other Sub-Committees (Agenda item 13)
MEPC 69 considered the outcome of the Sub-Committee meetings as given below. For details on the discussions at the
Sub-Committees, please refer to the Lloyd’s Register’s Reports on respective Sub-Committees found on the Lloyd’s
Register website.
Among others, due attention is to be paid to the following issues:
Outcome of III 2
Draft MSC-MEPC.4 circular on Guidelines for port State control officers on the ISM Code
MEPC 69, noting that the outcome of the HTW and III Sub-Committees contradict each other, agreed that the
Committees (both MSC and MEPC) should decide on the subject. It was agreed to defer the issue for further
discussion to MEPC 70. MEPC 69 also recommended MSC 96 to do the same.
Draft amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, IV and VI concerning the exemption of UNSP barges from
survey and certification requirements
MEPC 69 approved the draft amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, IV and VI concerning the exemption of the UNSP
(Unmanned Non Self Propelled) barges from surveys and certification requirements for adoption by MEPC 70. Expected
entry into force date is 1 March 2018. The final draft text was sent to the III Sub-Committee at its third session for the
final review for reporting back to MEPC 70.
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An UNSP barge is defined as a barge that:
– Is not propelled by mechanical means;
– Has neither crew nor passengers or other persons on board during navigation;
– Carries no oil (as defined in MARPOL Annex I, regulation 1.1) in bulk and carries no noxious liquid substances (as
defined in MARPOL Annex II, regulation 1.10) in bulk;
– Has no machinery installed that may generate oil residues;
– Has no fuel oil tank, lubricating oil tank and bilge/oil residue tank; and
– Has undergone a survey to confirm the above conditions are met.
The exemption covers MARPOL Annex I, IV and VI.
Associated draft MEPC circular on Guidelines for exemption of unmanned non-self-propelled (UNSP) barges from the
survey and certification requirements under the MARPOL Convention were also approved in general for final approval
by MEPC 70, after the final review by the III 3.
Readers are to note that exemptions are subject to initial survey and subsequent renewal survey every 5 years, and that
exemption certificates will be issued as per each Annex to the MARPOL Convention.
Outcome of CCC 2
Development of mandatory requirements for classification and declaration of solid bulk cargoes as
HME and draft amendment to MARPOL Annex V
MEPC 69 noted the progress made on the development of mandatory requirements for classification and declaration of
solid bulk cargoes as substances harmful to the marine environment (HME) through the development of draft
amendments to MARPOL Annex V.
MEPC 69 revised the text as follows:
– Solid bulk cargoes shall be classified in accordance with the new draft Appendix I to Annex V, and declared by
shippers as to whether or not they are harmful to the marine environment.
– A footnote will make reference to section 4.2.3 of the IMSBC Code for the format of the cargo declaration to be
used by ships engaged in international voyages.
– For ships not engaged in international voyages, the requirement for declaration is left to each flag Administration.
– A clarification is provided that grain is not subject to these requirements.
The revised text was sent to MEPC 70 for adoption. Expected entry into force date is 1 March 2018 or 1 January 2019.
Draft amendments to the IMSBC Code related to HME substances
MEPC 69 noted that CCC 2 has prepared draft amendments to the IMSBC Code that make reference to MARPOL
Annex V for the classification and declaration of HME cargoes. CCC 3 is instructed to finalise them taking into account
the approved draft amendments to MARPOL Annex V.
Draft amendments to 2012 Guidelines for the implementation of MARPOL Annex V (Resolution
MEPC.219(63))
MEPC 69 considered the deletion of the provisions regarding the classification and declaration of HME cargoes in the
2012 Guidelines for implementation of MARPOL Annex V (resolution MEPC.219(63) following the relevant draft
amendments to MARPOL Annex V. CCC 3 is instructed to review the draft to align with the latest draft amendments to
MARPOL Annex V.
Outcome of HTW 3
Draft Revised guidelines on the implementation of the ISM Code by Administrations (A.1071(28))
MEPC 69 approved the draft Revised guidelines on the implementation of the ISM Code by Administrations
th
(A.1071(28)) subject to concurrent approval by MSC 96 scheduled for May 2016 for further adoption by the 30
session of the IMO Assembly scheduled for December 2017.
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Promotion of implementation and enforcement of MARPOL and related instruments
(Agenda item 14)
MEPC 69 considered the following.
IACS Unified Interpretation MPC88, the uniform implementation of the 2012 Guidelines on implementation
of effluent standards and performance tests for sewage treatment plants (resolution MEPC.227(64))
MEPC 69 agreed to the IACS Unified Interpretation which provides that "installed on or after 1 January 2016" shall be
interpreted as follows:
– Installations on board ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1
January 2016.
– For other ships, installations with a contractual delivery date to the ship on or after 1 January 2016 or, in the
absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery of the equipment to the ship on or after 1 January 2016.
MEPC requested the Secretariat and IACS to work together to prepare amendments to resolution MEPC.227(64) for
the adoption at MEPC 70.
IACS Unified Interpretation (UI) MPC127, which was developed by IACS members to facilitate the uniform
implementation of the revised Guidelines on implementation of accuracy checks for 15 ppm bilge alarm, as
detailed in resolution MEPC.107(49)
MEPC 69 agreed that, for application of resolution MEPC.107(49), the phrase "The accuracy of the 15 ppm bilge
alarms should be checked at IOPP Certificate renewal surveys according to the manufacturer's instructions" in 4.2.11
shall be interpreted as follows considering resolution A.1104(29):
– The validity of calibration certificate should be checked at IOPP annual/intermediate/renewal surveys.
– The accuracy of 15 ppm bilge alarms is to be checked by calibration and testing of the equipment conducted by a
manufacturer or persons authorized by the manufacturer and should be done at intervals not exceeding five years
or within the term specified in the manufacturer's instructions, whichever is shorter.
MEPC 69 instructed the Secretariat to prepare amendments to resolution MEPC.107(49) for adoption at MEPC 70.
Application of stability instrument provisions as per MEPC.248(66) to FPSOs and unmanned ships which are
not propelled by mechanical means.
MEPC 69 considered the request submitted by IACS asking clarification on the scope of application of the stability
instrument provisions as required by the amendments to MARPOL Annex I, as adopted by resolution MEPC.248 (66), to
FPSOs, FSUs and unmanned ships, which are not propelled by mechanical means.
Opinions expressed by members were divided between groups of members, those who considered that MARPOL
required stability instruments due to the definition of ‘ship’ in the MARPOL Convention i.e., “Ship" means a vessel of
any type whatsoever operating in the marine environment and includes hydrofoil boats, air-cushion vehicles,
submersibles, floating craft and fixed or floating platforms”, and those who considered that due to the different
operations of these vessels they were not required.
MEPC 69 noted the submission paper and opinions and requested interested members to submit a proposal for a new
work programme to discuss the issue further.
Format of the Document of Approval for the stability instrument required on tankers
Resolution MEPC.248(66) adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex I adding a new regulation 28.6 prescribing all oil
tankers to be fitted with a stability instrument, capable of verifying compliance with intact and damage stability
requirements approved by the Administration. It also specified that, for the purposes of control under regulation 11 of
MARPOL Annex I, the Administration shall issue a document of approval for the stability instrument. The same
requirements are given in the IBC Code (MEPC.250(66)) and the BCH Code (MEPC.249(66))
MEPC 69 could not agree on the proposal because of the following opinions:
– If the format is mandatory, all existing document have to be replaced.
– Other ship types not covered by MARPOL Annex I should also be considered.
MEPC 69 invited interested members to submit a proposal on a new work programme to a future session.
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Work programme of the Committee and subsidiary bodies (Agenda item 19)
Among new work programme agreed, the following are relevant to the work of Lloyd’s Register:
–
–
Review of the 2015 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (resolution MEPC.259(68)), including Guidance in
respect of the accidental breakdown, instrumentation malfunction, perceived temporary non-compliance and
transient performance of exhaust gas cleaning systems.
Development of guidelines for the use of more than one Engine Operational Profile (Map), MEPC 69 could not
decide on this proposal. MEPC 69 requested PPR 4 to consider the proposal for further discussion on this new
work proposal at MEPC 71.
Any other business (Agenda item 20)
Revision to Form B of the Supplement to the IOPP Certificate (sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.5)
MEPC 69 approved amendment to the form B of the supplement to the IOPP Certificate given in the Appendix to
MARPOL Annex I which simplified the current entry for final adoption by MEPC 70. Expected entry into force is on 1
March 2018.
Heavy fuel oil use by vessels in Arctic waters
Various opinions were expressed but MEPC 69 could not agree on the proposed prohibition of the use of Heavy Fuel
Oil in the Arctic. MEPC 69 invited interested members to submit a proposal on a new work programme to a future
session.
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