The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Sunday (21 November) released a statement regarding the discussion of exhaust gas cleaning system (ECGS) guidelines and discharge policies at MEPC 77.
Long-delayed matters relating to exhaust gas cleaning systems, including proposed revised EGCS guidelines, are due for consideration during the 77th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 77) which meets 22-26 November.
A Working group will be tasked with finalising draft 2021 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (2021 EGCS Guidelines), updating the 2015 EGCS Guidelines. These guidelines are there to ensure scrubbers are effective in meeting sulphur emission limits while also meeting environmental criteria for water discharges.
The working group (WG) will also aim to finalise the draft revised MEPC circular on Guidance on indication of ongoing compliance in the case of the failure of a single monitoring instrument, and recommended actions to take if the exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) fails to meet the provisions of the EGCS Guidelines.
The guidelines and revised circular, once the WG has concluded the drafts, need to be approved by MEPC in plenary.
Another task for the WG is to finalise the draft revised title and scope of work of output 1.23 on ʺEvaluation and harmonization of rules and guidance on the discharge of discharge water from EGCS into the aquatic environment, including conditions and areasʺ.
The discharge of water from open loop scrubbers remains a hot topic, and is subject to a number of unilateral local restrictions, including complete bans in some ports and areas.
The IMO has received a number of submissions containing studies which, inter alia, claim to prove that EGCS discharge water is harmful to the aquatic environment in various locations, or that they cause no harm. It is hard to work out what to make of these conflicting studies, but IBIA hopes decisions will be made on sound science after careful assessment, without prejudice. See our statement on the subject on this link.
The purpose of the discussion at MEPC 77 is to develop the right tools to properly assess the environmental impact of EGCS discharges to form the basis for future guidelines and, in time, agree on an appropriate regulatory IMO framework.
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Photo credit: Manifold Times
Source: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 25 November, 2021
By the end of 2021, a record of more than 240 million metric tonnes of marine fuel would have flowed through MFMs installed onboard Singapore bunker tankers; Manifold Times finds out why this is so.
‘SMI’s vision and goal for the next 10 years is to establish Singapore as a world-class Global Maritime Knowledge & Innovation Hub’ says Chairman.
The International Chamber of Shipping noted the R&D programme will be conducted by a new International Maritime Research and Development Board.
Facility provides a strategic opportunity for Gulf to grow its market share and it will continue to support existing Ocean Tankers customers, said CEO.
New investment marks ‘clear demonstration’ of Fremman Capital’s commitment to a more sustainable world, says VPS spokesman.
Total bunker sales at Panama was 358,827 metric tonnes (mt) in June, compared to sales of 302,330 mt during the similar period in 2020, show PMA data.
Program introduces periodic assessments, mass flow metering data analysis, and regular training for relevant key personnel to better handle the MFMS to ensure a high level of continuous operational competency.
U.S. Claims Register Summary recorded a total USD 833 million claim from a total 180 creditors against O.W. Bunker USA, according to the creditor list seen by Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
Glencore purchased fuel through Straits Pinnacle which contracted supply from Unicious Energy. Contaminated HSFO was loaded at Khor Fakkan port and shipped to a FSU in Tanjong Pelepas, Malaysia to be further blended.
Individuals were employees of surveying companies engaged by Shell to inspect the volume of oil loaded onto the vessels which Shell supplied oil to; they allegedly accepted bribes totalling at least USD 213,000.
MPA preliminary investigations revealed that the affected marine fuel was supplied by Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd who later sold part of the same cargo to PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
‘MPA had immediately contacted the relevant bunker suppliers to take necessary steps to ensure that the relevant batch of fuel was no longer supplied. Further investigations are currently on-going,’ it informs.
