Alternative Fuels

IMO Update by DNV: Marine Environment Protection Committee – MEPC 78

An extended exchange of views took place on the scheduled revision of the IMO GHG Strategy but with no new decisions being made, says DNV.

Published

4 years ago

June 13, 2022

Admin

Classification society DNV on Saturday (11 June) published ‘IMO UPDATE: MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE – MEPC 78’.

It focuses on highlights of the 78th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 78) that was held remotely from 6 to 10 June 2022 including approval of a proposal for a sulphur emission control area (SECA) in the Mediterranean Sea, reporting of flashpoint in the Bunker Delivery Note and discussions on market-based measures.

The following are extracts from the full document:

Meeting highlights

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

Reporting of flashpoint in the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN)

Following the approval of amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 by MSC 105 in relation to the flashpoint of oil fuel, amendments to Appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI (Information to be included in the BDN) were approved subject to adoption at MEPC 79. The following new item has been added to the BDN: “Flashpoint (°C) or a statement that flashpoint has been measured at or above 70°C”.

Unified interpretations

MEPC approved a unified interpretation of Regulation 18.3 of MARPOL Annex VI with regard to the use of biofuels. The amendment clarifies that fuels with a biofuel content up to 30% in principle fall under the definition of marine fuel oil derived from petroleum refining (Regulation 18.3.1) and no further NOx testing is required. For fuels with a biofuel content of more than 30%, it needs to be verified that the engine is not altered beyond the approved parts and settings of the NOx Technical File (Regulation 18.3.2) in order to not require NOx testing.

Revision of the IMO GHG Strategy

There was an extended exchange of views on the scheduled revision of the IMO GHG Strategy, but with no new decisions being made. The main divergence in views between countries is the split between those calling for full decarbonization by 2050, and those calling for further assessments on feasibility and impacts on states before such a decision can be made.

The MEPC will adhere to the established workplan on this matter and make its decision at MEPC 80 in July 2023. Further discussions will take place at an intersessional meeting agreed to be held back-to-back with MEPC 79 in December 2022. There is also the expectation that an intersessional meeting will be held in the spring of 2023 dedicated to this matter.

Mid and long-term measures to reduce GHG emissions

There was an extensive discussion on potential mid and long-term measures at the intersessional meeting held two weeks prior to MEPC 78. At this meeting, proposals for various market-based measures were discussed:

A levy system based on absolute well-to-wake GHG emissions. The GHG price is determined by the IMO.
A levy system based on CII performance, where ships with CII performance below a benchmark pay a contribution per tonne CO2, and ships with performance above the benchmark receive a reward. The contribution is determined by the IMO, while the reward depends on the level of achievement of the fleet.
A levy system based on absolute tank-to-wake CO2 emissions where the revenues are partly used to provide a direct rebate to zero-emission vessels. The CO2 price and rebate are determined by the IMO.
An emissions cap-and-trade system, similar to the EU ETS, where the well-to-wake GHG emission level is set by the IMO and allowances are auctioned out. The carbon price is then determined by the market.

Additionally, there were discussions on a proposed technical measure in the form of a well-to-wake GHG intensity fuel standard.

MEPC 78 did not develop these proposals further, and discussions will continue at an intersessional meeting prior to MEPC 79 and following meetings. The decision on which measures to develop into regulations will be made at MEPC 80 in July 2023

On-board CO2 capture

Due to time constraints, only a very brief discussion was held on provisions for taking into account on-board CO2 capture in instruments such as the EEDI and CII. The topic will be discussed further at future meetings.

Lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels

An intersessional working group prior to MEPC 78 developed draft guidelines on lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels. The work will continue through a correspondence group reporting to MEPC 80 in July 2023.

Identification and protection of special areas, ECAs and PSSAs

MEPC 78 considered and approved a proposal for a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) to be established in the Mediterranean Sea. The proposal is subject for adoption at MEPC 79 in December of this year, and is expected to take effect from 1 July 2025. The requirement will be the same as for other SECAs, mandating the use of fuel oil with a sulphur content of 0.10% or of an EGCS.

Recommendations

DNV recommends that our customers evaluate possible technical and operational modifications to comply with the upcoming GHG requirements and, when applicable, to prepare and submit an EEXI

Technical File and a SEEMP Part III for verification.

Note: The full version of this news can be downloaded here.

Photo credit and source: DNV
Published: 13 June, 2022

Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.

Published

2 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development.

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations.

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan.

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd.

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

Nuclear

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

LR is working with HHI, KSOE, Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and KAERI on a joint development project exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a PCTC.

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (2 June) said it has teamed up with South Korean shipbuilding, marine services and nuclear research organisations to advance the development of a nuclear‑assisted car carrier concept.

LR is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on a joint development project (JDP) exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).

The study focused on how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be physically and operationally integrated into a large vehicle carrier. Work examined the internal arrangement and segregation of the reactor system, shielding requirements, and the impact on cargo deck layout and vehicle capacity, alongside stability and trim implications linked to the reactor’s weight and positioning.

The partners also assessed propulsion system configuration and power delivery, as well as operational flexibility compared with conventionally fuelled PCTCs, where trade routes and port calls can be tightly constrained.

A key focus of the project has been safety. LR led hazard identification (HAZID) and preliminary risk assessment work, focusing on containment, onboard safety systems and potential operability constraints tied to nuclear technology at sea.

The partners will mark the project milestone with an Approval in Principle (AiP) granting ceremony on 2 June at the LR stand during Posidonia 2026.

Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia, Lloyd’s Register, said: “While nuclear propulsion is still at an early stage of development, this project shows the importance of building technical understanding now to support future progress.

“Establishing feasibility at concept stage is a valuable step forward, particularly in areas such as cargo optimisation, vessel stability and integrated safety design.”

Hong-Ryeul Ryu, CTO and Senior Executive Vice President at HD HHI, said: “With global environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent and no definitive net-zero fuel yet available, SMR-powered ships can serve as a highly effective alternative, representing a pioneering next-generation maritime technology capable of complying with GHG emission regulations while allowing lifetime operation without refuelling, and HD HHI will remain at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology development.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 4 June, 2026