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IMO MPEC 78th virtual sessions to be held between 6 to 10 June

Further discussions on carbon pricing, GHG fuel standard, enhancement of IMO’s carbon intensity measures are expected to take place during the MEPC 78 session.

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The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), 78th session at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is scheduled to start from 6 to 10 June 2022 and will be held in virtual sessions. 

Related to the bunkering industry, further discussions on carbon pricing, enhancement of IMO’s carbon intensity measures and greenhouse gas fuel standard are expected during the MEPC 79 session. 

The following is a preview of what will take place at MEPC 78: 

Highlights:

  1. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) – 78th session will meet in virtual session from 6-10 June 2022
  2. Tackling climate change – cutting GHG emissions from ships – progressing the work
  3. Proposal to designate the Mediterranean Sea, as a whole, as an Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides
  4. BWM Convention experience-building phase, application and proposed amendments
  5. Discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) – guidelines and guidance
  6. Marine plastic litter from ships – mandatory garbage record books for smaller ships and marking of fishing gear
  7. Adoption of amendments (watertight doors, GESAMP Hazard Evaluation procedure)
  8. Protecting seas in the Arctic – regional arrangements for port reception facilities
  9. Revision of the Anti-fouling Systems Convention guidelines
  10. Unified interpretations of provisions of IMO environment-related conventions
  11. MEPC 78 arrangements including media accreditation

Tackling climate change – cutting GHG emissions from ships

Background:

IMO is committed to cutting GHG emissions from ships. Mandatory energy efficiency measures were first adopted in 2011 and have been strengthened since The Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Shipping was adopted in 2018, setting out a clear pathway towards decarbonization of international shipping.

In 2021 IMO adopted the “short -term measure” to reduce ships’ carbon intensity in accordance with the timelines set out in the Initial IMO GHG Strategy. The short-term measure introduced the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI); the annual operational carbon intensity indicator (CII) rating and an enhanced Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

At MEPC 77, Member States agreed to initiate the process of revision of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, towards adopting a strengthened revised Strategy in mid-2023 at MEPC 80.

The MEPC 76 session adopted a work plan on the concrete way forward to make progress with candidate mid- and long-term measures, including measures to incentivize the move away from fossil fuels to low- and zero-carbon fuels to achieve decarbonization of international shipping. The Work Plan envisages three phases: Phase I – Collation and initial consideration of proposals; Phase II – Assessment and selection of measures(s) to further develop; Phase III – Development of (a) measure(s) to be finalized.

The MEPC will consider the reports of the two sessions of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 11 and 12).

Draft guidelines/guidance to support the short-term measure

The MEPC will be invited to adopt a series of guidelines to support the implementation of the short-term measure, including on method of calculation of the EEXI, the revised SEEMP and possible correction factors for CII.

Progressing the work on mid-term GHG reduction measures and associated impact assessments

The IWSG-GHG 12 will report on its progress in advancing towards the further development of a “basket of candidate mid-term measures” – integrating both various technical (for example, a GHG fuel standard and/or enhancement of IMO’s carbon intensity measures) and carbon pricing (for example, a market-based measure) elements. Further discussion is expected during the MEPC 78 session.

ISWG-GHG 11 will report on progress in reviewing the Procedure for assessing impacts on States of candidate GHG reduction measures, which will facilitate a future comprehensive impact assessment of a “basket of candidate mid-term measures”.

Revision of the Initial GHG Strategy

Following the agreement at the last session to work towards adopting a strengthened revised GHG Strategy in 2023, the MEPC 78 session will have for consideration a number of documents providing concrete proposals and comments related to the revision of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy.

The MEPC is expected to discuss how to proceed with the revision process, so that the revised strategy can be adopted at MEPC 80 in mid-2023.

Lifecycle GHG assessment guidelines

ISWG-GHG 11 will report progress in developing draft Lifecycle GHG assessment guidelines (LCA guidelines) which will allow for a Well-to-Wake calculation, including Well-to-Tank and Tank-to-Wake emission factors, of total GHG emissions related to the production and use of alternative marine fuels.

Proposal to designate the Mediterranean Sea, as a whole, as an Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides

The MEPC will consider a proposal to designate the Mediterranean Sea, as a whole, as an Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides (SOx-ECA), under MARPOL Annex VI.

In a SOx-ECA, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships is 0.10% mass by mass (m/m), while outside these areas the limit is 0.50% m/m.

If approved at this session, the relevant amendments could be adopted at MEPC 79 in December. The amendment could enter into force in mid-2024, with the new limit taking effect from 2025.

Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) and its Protocols agreed in December 2021 to bring forward the proposal to IMO.

There are currently four designated SOx-ECAs worldwide: the Baltic Sea area; the North Sea area; the North American area (covering designated coastal areas off the United States and Canada); and the United States Caribbean Sea area (around Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands).

BWM Convention experience-building phase, application and proposed amendments

The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM) has been in force since 2017 and aims to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species in ballast water.

In 2017, MEPC 71 established the ballast water experience building phase (EBP) (resolution MEPC.290(71)), in order to carry out a systematic and evidence-based review of the BWM Convention, potentially leading to review of the Convention and development of a package of amendments.

The MEPC will have for consideration the data analysis report on the EBP, which highlights the main points identified during the data analysis (MEPC 78/4/1). In addition, the MEPC will consider a proposal by 10 Member States to establish a Convention Review Plan (CRP) to guide the holistic review of the BWM Convention, which had been agreed as the next stage of the EBP; the proposed CRP would frame the relevant work until 2026.

MEPC 78 is expected to establish the Ballast Water Review Group to, inter alia, consider the data analysis report and the way forward towards the Convention review stage.

The MEPC will also, inter alia, consider:

  • proposals related to application of the BWM Convention to ships operating at ports with challenging water quality;
  • proposed amendments to the BWM Convention or its associated guidelines, relating to the temporary storage of treated sewage and grey water in ballast tanks, the form of the Ballast Water Record Book, the example ballast water reporting form, and the application of the BWM Convention to specific ship types;
  • other new or revised guidelines, including on methodologies that may be used for enumerating viable organisms and on re evaluations in cases where modifications have been made to a ballast water management system (BWMS).

Discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) – guidelines and guidance

The MEPC is expected to consider for approval, as developed by the Sub-Committee on Prevention of Pollution (PPR):

  • draft MEPC Circular on 2022 Guidelines for risk and impact assessments of the discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems, to provide information on recommended methodology for risk and impact assessments that Member States should follow when considering local or regional regulations to protect sensitive waters/environment from the discharge water from EGCS.
  • draft MEPC Circular on 2022 Guidance regarding the delivery of EGCS residues and stored discharge water to port reception facilities, providing best practices intended to assist both ship operators and port States in assuring the proper management and disposal of EGCS residues and stored discharge water from EGCS into port reception facilities.

In 2021, the MEPC adopted the updated Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems, which specify the criteria for the testing, survey, certification and verification of EGCS as well as discharge water quality criteria.

Marine plastic litter from ships – mandatory garbage record books for smaller ships and marking of fishing gear

MEPC 77 adopted the Strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships, which sets out to the following outcomes as key goals: reduction of marine plastic litter generated from, and retrieved by, fishing vessels; reduction of shipping’s contribution to marine plastic litter; and improvement of the effectiveness of port reception and facilities and treatment in reducing marine plastic litter. Actions have been agreed, to be completed by 2025, which relate to all ships, including fishing vessels. The action plan supports IMO’s commitment to meeting the targets set in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) on the oceans.

The MEPC is expected to approve draft amendments to MARPOL Annex V (agreed by PPR 9), to make the Garbage Record Book mandatory also for ships of 100 gross tonnage and above and less than 400 gross tonnage, with a view to subsequent adoption.

The MEPC is expected to note the ongoing work in the PPR Sub-Committee on marking of fishing gear and will be invited to provide further advice to the Sub-Committee on possible regulatory options for addressing marking of fishing gear.

Capacity building to address marine plastic litter from ships

GloLitter Partnerships, a project between the Government of Norway, IMO and FAO is supporting developing countries, including Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in identifying opportunities for the prevention and reduction of marine litter.

Adoption of amendments (watertight doors, GESAMP Hazard Evaluation Procedure)

The MEPC is expected to adopt the following amendments (approved at the last session):

  • draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) in relation to watertight doors; and
  • draft amendments to MARPOL Annex II, updating the abbreviated legend to the revised GESAMP Hazard Evaluation Procedure.

Protecting seas in the Arctic – regional arrangements for port reception facilities

The MEPC will consider, for approval and subsequent adoption, draft amendments to the MARPOL annexes to allow States with ports in the Arctic region to enter into regional arrangements for port reception facilities. The draft amendments to MARPOL Annexes I (oil), II (noxious liquid substances), IV (sewage), V (garbage) and VI (air pollution) were agreed by PPR 9. Related draft amendments to the 2012 Guidelines for the development of a regional reception facility plan (resolution MEPC.221(63)) will also be considered.

Revision of the Anti-fouling Systems Convention guidelines

The MEPC will consider the draft text of revised guidelines to support implementation of the AFS Convention, following the adoption, in 2021, of amendments to include controls on the biocide cybutryne. The amendments enter into force on 1 January 2023. The draft consequential revisions under consideration relate to:

  • Guidelines for brief sampling of anti-fouling systems on ships;
  • Guidelines for inspection of anti-fouling systems on ships; and
  • Guidelines for survey and certification of anti-fouling systems on ships.

Unified interpretations of provisions of IMO environment-related conventions

The MEPC will consider for approval:

  • a draft unified interpretation of appendix I to the BWM Convention (Form of International Ballast Water Management Certificate), concerning the principal ballast water management method(s) employed on the ship;
  • a draft unified interpretation on the application of regulation 18.3 MARPOL Annex VI to biofuels.
  • a draft revised unified interpretation of paragraph 4.4.6.1 of the NOx Technical Code 2008, to make the interpretation (see MEPC.1/Circ.895) applicable to the “Engine Family” concept under certain circumstances.

MEPC 78 arrangements

Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) – 78th session, 6-10 June 2022

MEPC 78 will be held in virtual session, with two plenary sessions using the e-conferencing platform held each day from Monday, 6 June to Friday, 10 June 2022. The first session will take place from 10:00 to 12:30 (UTC+1) and the second session will take place from 13:00 to 15:00 (UTC+1) with a half-hour break between the two plenary sessions each day.

Virtual working groups

The MEPC is expected to establish the following virtual groups:

  1. Drafting Group on amendments to mandatory instruments;
  2. Ballast Water Review Group; and
  3. Technical Group on designation of Special Areas under MARPOL.

Opening/Chair

The meeting will be opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and will be chaired by the Vice-chair, Mr. Harry Conway (Liberia). Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Hideaki Saito (Japan), who was re-elected as the Chair of the Committee at the last session, is not available to chair this session.

 

Photo and source: International Maritime Organization
Published: 31 May, 2022

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Mass Flowmeter

Singapore to implement new bunker mass flow metering standards from 1 April 2025

MPA will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025; use of SS 648: 2019 will cease on the same date.

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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (1 November) issued Port Marine Circular No. 12 of 2024 informing the marine industry that the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore will be mandatory from 1 April 2025:

This circular serves to inform the maritime industry that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025. Consequently, the use of SS 648: 2019 will cease from 1 April 2025. 

Published by the Singapore Standards Council in October 2024, the SS 648: 2024 serves as the latest version of the SS 648 and is the result of a joint review of the previous version (SS648: 2019) by the MPA, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), as well as representatives from bunker suppliers/craft operators, bunker buyers, testing and surveying companies, oil majors, equipment vendors, relevant government agencies and industry experts to meet the changing needs of the bunkering industry. 

The SS 648: 2024 is divided into 2 parts for ease of operational use. Part 1 covers pre-approval processes such as meter selection, acceptance tests, etc.; while Part 2 covers post-approval processes such as health, safety and environment requirements, metrological requirements, system integrity requirements and metering procedures. Other key changes include:  

  • Updating of the acceptance test to include single tanker meter-in meter-out as an additional option for approval of Mass Flow Metering (MFM) system;
  • Considerations after a software update or upgrade to provide better clarity;
  • Biofuels in the coverage of the standard;
  • Use of data logger and edge device with enhanced requirements for data security, data integrity and data transmission requirements;
  • Replacing minimum measured quantity (MMQ) with new table on minimum bunker quantity (MBQ) for better clarity;
  • Updates of the sampling requirements with new information from SS 600:2022 Code of practice for bunkering by bunker tankers using tank gauging;
  • New content on digital documentation to be cross referenced to new Specification for Digital Bunkering Supply Chain Documentation; and
  • Reorganisation of the content of bunker claims procedures and dispute resolution

Training Requirements for Cargo Officers and Bunker Surveyors 

The MPA has worked with SSA and IBIA to develop a refresher course on the new requirements of the SS 648: 2024, which is expected to commence from January 2025. All in-service bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors are required to complete this refresher course (conducted by SSA and IBIA) by 1 April 2025. Bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors that have not attained the necessary certification will not be allowed to conduct bunkering operations in the Port of Singapore.

For further information on the courses, please contact SSA and IBIA as follows: 

Singapore Shipping Association
Website: www.ssa.org.sg
Tel: 6305 2260

International Bunker Industry Association

Website: www.ibia.net
Tel: 6427 0916

Queries relating to this circular can be directed to [email protected]

Manifold Times previously reported Enterprise Singapore (ESG), a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore administering the Singapore Standardisation programme launching two new bunkering standards while revising a third benchmark at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2024).

Related: SIBCON 2024: Singapore launches two new bunkering standards, revises third benchmark

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 1 November, 2024

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Methanol

South Korea achieves milestone with first SIMOPS methanol bunkering in Busan

Hyodong Shipping’s bunkering vessel “Hyodong Chemi” supplied 3,000 mt of methanol to containership “Antonia Maersk” at Busan New Port Terminal 2 (PNC) during cargo unloading.

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South Korea achieves milestone with first SIMOPS methanol bunkering in Busan

South Korea successfully conducted its first ever Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs) of ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at Busan New Port on 4 October, according to Korean Register (KR) on Thursday (30 October). 

KR said this groundbreaking achievement marks a crucial advancement in the nation's commitment to developing a sustainable ship fuel supply chain.

In an 11-hour bunkering operation, Hyodong Shipping’s bunkering vessel Hyodong Chemi supplied 3,000 metric tonnes (mt) of methanol to containership Antonia Maersk at Busan New Port Terminal 2(PNC) during cargo unloading. 

This follows the successful LNG bunkering SIMOPs at Busan New Port in August. 

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) spearheaded this initiative as part of its plan to build an Eco-friendly Ship Fuel Supply Chain, announced in November 2023. The ministry has been diligently working on securing bunkering vessels, developing port infrastructure, and standardising bunkering procedures.

Busan Port Authority (BPA) supported the methanol bunkering demonstration project, offering exemptions on port facility usage fees and coordinating with relevant agencies to review safety protocols through an inter-agency consultative body.

Korean Register (KR) has played a pivotal role in providing technical support for the development of a methanol bunkering safety system. KR's contributions include developing standard operating procedures, defining safety management zones, and creating guidance for self-safety management plans.

This accomplishment is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of South Korean ports in the growing market for eco-friendly shipping. The successful implementation of SIMOPs, which allows for simultaneous cargo operations and supply of green fuel, is particularly attractive to shipping companies aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency.  

KANG Joonsuk, CEO & President of BPA, said: “This successful demonstration marks a monumental achievement, showing that Busan Port is fully capable of supplying methanol. We plan to enhance Busan Port’s global competitiveness by developing infrastructure and advancing technology to expand eco-friendly fuel bunkering, positioning it as a leading green port on the world stage.”  

LEE Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, said: “As the maritime industry continues to seek greener alternatives, South Korea is trying to position itself at the forefront of sustainable shipping practices. KR will continue to provide full support for technical cooperation to ensure safe and successful green fuel bunkering operations.”

Related: South Korea achieves first-ever SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of bulk carrier 

Photo credit: Korean Register
Published: 1 November, 2024

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Ammonia

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries wins DNV AiP for ammonia DF large container vessel

Milestone follows the successful completion of a joint development project aimed at addressing the challenges associated with using ammonia as a bunker fuel, says DNV.

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HD Hyundai Heavy Industries wins DNV AiP for ammonia DF large container vessel

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (30 November) said it has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for its 15K TEU ammonia dual-fuelled container vessel design. 

DNV said the milestone follows the successful completion of a joint development project aimed at addressing the challenges associated with using ammonia as a marine fuel.

“The project focused on developing designs to enhance safety, including an optimised ammonia tank design, advanced fire safety systems, enhanced ammonia release mitigation system and boil-off gas (BOG) handling systems,” it said in a statement. 

“These innovations could play an important role in building confidence in the safe and efficient use of ammonia as a marine fuel.”

On container ships, where the upper deck is a safe working zone, DNV said an ammonia leak could pose a serious risk. This means, establishing safety design criteria to manage these risks is crucial for the wider commercialization of ammonia-fueled ships.

To this end, fuel pipe leakage scenarios were defined and quantitatively analysed through gas dispersion analyses. Consequently, it was confirmed that, with conventional systems, foreseeable small leakages occurring at connections within the ammonia piping system can form toxic areas with dangerous ammonia concentrations throughout the entire weather deck, highlighting the need for effective mitigation measures. 

The result showed that hazardous areas were significantly reduced by the enhanced ammonia release mitigation system, enabling not only safer enclosed spaces but also safer working areas across the entire weather deck of the vessel.

Seung-ho Jeon, SEVP, CTO of HD HHI, said: “The AiP reflects HD HHI’s dedication to developing sustainable, innovative solutions like ammonia-fuelled vessels, which will play a key role in reducing emissions and shaping the future of shipping.”

Vidar Dolonen, DNV Regional Manager Korea and Japan, said: "This AiP highlights the importance of safety in moving the maritime industry along the path to decarbonization.”

“There are many aspects to building out zero carbon fuels in shipping, and it’s essential that we have them all in place for ammonia to truly establish itself in the marine fuel market.”

“But with new technological solutions, alongside rigorous safety procedures, ammonia reach its full potential as one of the most promising green fuels. DNV is proud to support these advancements from HD HHI as we continue on this journey to an even more sustainable maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 1 November, 2024

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