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DNV on IMO MEPC 81: Negotiations on new GHG reduction requirements continue

MEPC 81 continued its negotiation of GHG fuel intensity requirements, potentially in combination with a GHG pricing mechanism; approved proposals to designate Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea as ECAs for NOx, SOx and PM.

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Classification society DNV on Saturday (23 March) published a technical regulatory news titled ‘IMO MEPC 81: Negotiations On New Ghg Reduction Requirements Continue’. The following are excerpts from the update related to bunker fuel:

The 81st session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) continued its negotiation of GHG fuel intensity requirements, potentially in combination with a GHG pricing mechanism. 

Other important decisions include the reporting of transport work and more granular fuel consumption data in the data collection system, and approval of proposals to designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as NOx, SOx and PM Emission Control Areas.

Energy efficiency

Use of ShaPoLi/EPL systems in the EEXI framework

To ensure a consistent and uniform approach to the immediate availability of power, including the power reserve, when using overridable shaft/engine power limitation (ShaPoLi/EPL), MEPC 81 revised the ShaPoLi/EPL guidelines. The revisions are based on provisions set out in IACS Recommendation 172 for systems which do not physically limit shaft or engine power and where the override of shaft power limitation can be indicated by giving an alarm. In this context, manual shaft power limitation systems can inhibit the initiation of the exceedance alarm for up to 5 minutes.

Review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)

MEPC 81 did not agree on a resolution stating that the CII rating system is currently within an experience building phase and that key elements of the system should be considered interim. Although recognizing that there are shortcomings in the CII framework, it was agreed that the CII is not a provisional measure and that such a resolution would undermine the CII. The concerns raised should be considered as part of the upcoming CII review.

Revision of the Data Collection System (DCS)

MEPC 81 adopted revised guidelines on SEEMP related to reporting fuel oil consumption per consumer type and transport work. This supports the adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the reporting of additional data elements through the DCS.

Carriage of biofuel blends

A proposal to allow for carriage of blends of up to 30% biofuel on bunker barges certified according to MARPOL Annex I was forwarded to the ESPH (Evaluation of Safety and Pollution Hazards of Chemicals) Working Group for further consideration.

Unified Interpretations

MEPC 81 agreed on Unified Interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI regarding:

  • the definition of heavy load carriers and
  • the application of the required EEDI to LNG carriers, cruise passenger ships, ro-ro passenger ships, ro-ro cargo ships (vehicle carrier) and ro-ro cargo ships, delivered on or after 1 September 2019.

Reduction of GHG emissions

Mid and long-term measures to reduce GHG emissions

To ensure shipping achieves the ambitions of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, the MEPC 80 decided to implement a basket of measures consisting of two parts:

  • A technical element,which will be a goal-based marine fuel standard regulating the phased reduction of marine fuel GHG intensity
  • An economic element,which will be GHG emissions pricing mechanism, linked directly to the GHG intensity mechanism or as a stand-alone mechanism

The measures are scheduled to be adopted in 2025 and enter into force around mid-2027.

At MEPC 81, several regulatory proposals were on the table. While there was no agreement on the package of measures, there was convergence between member states, along with agreement on an overarching structure for the needed regulatory amendments, the “IMO net-zero framework”, in MARPOL Annex VI. This is intended to form the basis for refined proposals, including possible legal language, to be discussed at MEPC 82 in October 2024.

MEPC 81 also agreed to organise the expert workshop on the further development of the basket of mid-term measures, intended to facilitate the understanding of the preliminary findings of the comprehensive impact assessment, which are expected to be available by mid-summer.

Life cycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels

MEPC 81 adopted amendments to the “Guidelines on Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels” (LCA Guidelines), which set out methods for calculating well-to-wake and tank-to-wake GHG emissions for all fuels and other energy carriers (e.g. electricity) used on board a ship. The amendments included the quantification of parameters related to biofuel production, the evaluation of GHG intensity of electricity and the actual tank-to-wake methodologies for actual/onboard emission factors, amongst others.

The LCA Guidelines do not include any provisions for application nor requirements; they are intended to support the GHG Fuel Intensity regulation under development. 

A GESAMP Working Group was established to consider new default fuel pathway values, certification of actual well-to-tank and tank-to-well emission factors, and more general methodological LCA issues. A Correspondence Group was established to address other social and economic sustainability topics and aspects of marine fuels, for possible later inclusion in the LCA Guidelines.

MEPC 81 considered how to develop a framework for the measurement and verification of tank-to-wake emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the context of the LCA Guidelines. A separate Correspondence Group was established to further progress the matter.

On-board carbon capture

MEPC 81 discussed the issue of on-board carbon capture and established a Correspondence Group to further discuss the matter and develop a working plan on the development of a regulatory framework for the use of on-board carbon capture systems.

Identification and protection of Emission Control Areas (ECAs)

MEPC 81 approved proposals to designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM).

For the Canadian Arctic, assuming adoption at MEPC 82, the requirements take effect as follows:

  • The 0.10% fuel sulphur content requirement takes effect from1 March 2027.
  • TierIII NOx requirements will apply to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2025, although the requirements will enter into force at the earliest on 1 March 2026.

For the Norwegian Sea, also assuming adoption at MEPC 82, the requirements take effect as follows:

  • The 0.10% fuel sulphur content requirement takes effect from 1 March 2027.
  • TierIIINOx requirements will apply to ships contracted on or after 1 March 2026; or, in the absence of a contract, keel-laid on or after 1 September 2026; or delivered on or after 1 March 2030.

Recommendations

DNV recommends that our customers take into account the work on new GHG reduction ambitions when considering energy efficiency, alternative fuels and other GHG reduction options for their existing fleet and newbuilds, and note the requirements with expected entry into force around mid-2027.

Companies operating in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea are advised to note the establishment of ECAs and the attendant effective dates of the requirements.

We also recommend signing up for our dedicated webinar, discussing the outcome of MEPC 81, taking place on 3 April 2024: https://www.dnv.com/events/mepc-81-meeting-summary-ghg- emissions-regulations-and-more/ 

Note: The full TECHNICAL REGULATORY NEWS No. 07/2024 – STATUTORY can be downloaded here.

 

Photo credit: shraga kopstein on Unsplash
Published: 25 March 2024

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Biofuel

Pinnacle Marine and Abo Shoten ink MoU for B100 trial in Singapore

Pinnacle will carry out a 1,000-hour B100 biodiesel trial on an aluminium harbour craft in Singapore; Abo Shoten will contribute funding to support construction and operational expenses of the trial vessel.

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Pinnacle Marine and Abo Shoten ink MoU for B100 trial in Singapore

Singapore-based shipbuilding firm Pinnacle Marine on Wednesday (13 November) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Abo Shoten, Ltd. to launch a collaborative research project centred on a full biodiesel (B100) trial.

Pinnacle will carry out a 1,000-hour B100 biodiesel trial on a 16-metre aluminium harbour craft within Singapore’s port waters. Other partners are NTU’s Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore Pte Ltd, and China Classification Society.

“As part of the agreement, Abo Shoten will contribute funding to support the construction and operational expenses of the trial vessel,” Pinnacle said in a social media post. 

“This MOU aligns with Abo Shoten’s Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasise sustainable practices, maritime decarbonisation, and environmental stewardship - principles that closely align with Pinnacle’s commitment to sustainability.”

The MOU was formally signed by the CEOs, Mr. Ren Wada of Abo Shoten and Mr. Fabian Lim of Pinnacle Marine.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with our partner in advancing maritime decarbonisation, including the construction, delivery, and successful operation of this research harbour craft powered by B100 biodiesel in our port waters,” the firm added.

Manifold Times previously reported Pinnacle signing a Research Collaboration Agreement with NTU Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore Pte Ltd, and the China Classification Society.

Related: Biodiesel sea trial to be conducted on harbour craft in Singapore

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine
Published: 14 November, 2024

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Ammonia

KR and partners to develop safety guidelines for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering

KR, HD KSOE, HD HHI, KSS Line, and Liberian Registry will work together to develop standardised safety procedures that will set international benchmarks for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

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KR and partners to develop safety guidelines for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering

Classification society Korean Register (KR) on Wednesday (13 November) said it has formed a landmark partnership to develop the safety guidelines for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), KSS Line, and the Liberian Registry.

As the demand for ammonia-fuelled vessels rises, the partnership aims to establish robust safety standards for STS ammonia bunkering, an efficient method for supplying fuel to ammonia-fuelled vessels. 

“The safe bunkering of alternative fuels, like ammonia, requires rigorous risk assessment and the establishment of controlled zones,” KR said in a statement. 

“While standards for LNG and methanol bunkering have already been defined through various international industry standards, ammonia currently lacks relevant guidelines, highlighting the urgent need for the partnership’s research.”

To address this industry need, the five organisations involved will work together to develop standardised safety procedures that will set international benchmarks for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

As part of the initiative, HD KSOE will perform risk assessments aligned with international industry standards, while HD HHI and KSS Line will utilise their expertise and experience in alternative-fuel vessels and ammonia carriers to evaluate controlled zones and safety procedures for ammonia STS bunkering. 

KR will verify the compliance of these safety procedures and issue an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate. The Liberian Registry, overseeing the world’s largest registered fleet, will further review the validity of these safety procedures.

KIM Yeontae, Executive Vice President of KR’s technical division, said: “With the expected rise in ammonia bunkering demand driven by the construction of more ammonia-fueled vessels, this collaborative effort to establish safety standards is highly significant.”

“Through this partnership, KR is committed to advancing ammonia fuel technology and supporting the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.”

KIM Jungsik, Managing Director of the Korea Office at the Liberian Registry, said, “Just as we observed with the initial adoption of LNG STS bunkering, it is critical to establish regulations and procedures for ammonia as well.”

“Our Innovation and Energy Transition team will thoroughly review the safety protocols and support the development of international standards.”

 

Photo credit: Korean Register
Published: 14 November, 2024

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Bunker Fuel

Hercules Tanker Management plans fleet expansion with new chemical bunker tankers

Firm plans to add up to 10 IMO II Chemical Tankers that will have the ability to supply up to 100% biofuel and all forms of methanol and feature diesel-electric and battery-ready power units.

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Hercules Tanker Management plans fleet expansion with new chemical bunker tankers

Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) on Tuesday (12 November) announced plans to further expand and renew its fleet with six new vessels, and the option to build an additional four, set to be agreed later this year. 

Following last month’s announcement of the construction of four new tankers, HTM, the new shipping venture launched by John A. Bassadone, founder and CEO of independent marine fuel supplier Peninsula, is now adding a further 10 ‘ultra-spec’ vessels, in a 6+4 deal, with the first expected to be delivered in 2026. 

The 7,700 DWT IMO II Chemical Tankers will be sister ships to the four vessels announced previously, and are also being constructed in the Jiangmen Hangtong shipyard in China.

The vessels are described as ‘ultra-spec’ due to their flexible, sustainable design, which aims to minimise emissions.

All vessels will have the ability to supply up to 100% biofuel, all forms of methanol and feature diesel-electric and battery-ready power units, which, combined with advanced hull and propeller design, will reduce emissions by around 20% compared to older conventional barges.

John A. Bassadone, Founder and CEO Hercules Tanker Management and Peninsula, said: “The order of these new vessels marks another important milestone for HTM as we continue expanding and renewing our fleet, closely aligned with the needs of both HTM’s and Peninsula’s customer base.”

“We remain committed to the supply of conventional fuels, but our new assets will achieve this with lower emissions. Equally we anticipate an evolving alternative fuels market, in which we will play a leading role with specialist supply assets.”

Related: Peninsula to time-charter four tanker newbuildings from HTM
Related: Peninsula founder launches shipping firm Hercules Tanker Management
Related: Hercules Tanker Management orders LNG bunkering vessel from Hyundai Mipo

 

Photo credit: Hercules Tanker Management
Published: 14 November, 2024

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