Connect with us

Alternative Fuels

IMO: Upcoming Marine Environment Protection Committee – 76th meeting on schedule

Key topics include action to tackle climate change, the adoption of short-term measures to cut carbon intensity of ships, discussion on the way forward.
Admin

Published

5 years ago

on

IMO headquarters

The upcoming Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) – 76th session is scheduled to take place between 10 to 17 June 2021 via remote meetings, according to an update from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Key topics on the agenda include action to tackle climate change, including the adoption of short-term measures to cut carbon intensity of ships and discussion on the way forward with the next steps.   

The meeting will be opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and will be chaired by Mr. Hideaki Saito (Japan). The Vice-Chair is Mr. Harry Conway (Liberia). 

The following list of topics for adoption/amendment during MEPC 76 are as follows:

 Adoption of amendments 

 The MEPC will consider, with a view to adoption: 

  • draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI including EEXI and CII. (see below)
  • draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I to prohibit the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil (HFO) by ships in Arctic waters (see below)  
  • draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I and IV concerning the exemption of unmanned non-self-propelled (UNSP) barges from survey and certification requirements  (see below) 
  • draft amendments to the AFS Convention to include controls on the biocide cybutryne (see below) 

Tackling climate change – cutting GHG emissions from ships 

IMO is committed to cutting GHG emissions from ships. Mandatory measures were first adopted in 2011 (see  https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Technical-and-Operational-Measures.aspx ); and the Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Shipping was adopted in 2018. (see https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Cutting-GHG-emissions.aspx ) 

Adoption of short-term measure 

The MEPC will consider, with a view to adoption, draft amendments to the MARPOL convention that would require ships for a combined technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. This is in line with the ambition of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008.  

(see https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/42-MEPC-short-term-measure.aspx ) 

The draft amendments have been incorporated into a draft consolidated MARPOL Annex VI for consideration with a view to adoption.  

The MEPC will consider draft related guidelines finalizedby the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG GHG 8) which met 24-28 May. (see https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/ISWG-GHG-8.aspx ) 

 An impact assessment of the short-term measure has been conducted and will be considered by the Committee. (The impact assessment report is contained in documents MEPC76/7/13 and MEPC 76/INF.68 and addenda). 

Future work 

The MEPC is expected to discuss a number of submissions on how to progress the next stages of IMO’s work to cut GHG emissions form ships, leading to the revision of the initial GHG strategy in 2023.  

The MEPC will have for consideration a number of proposals from Member States and industry for candidate mid- and long-term measures to incentivize the move away from fossil fuels to low- and zero-carbon fuels to achieve decarbonization of international shipping.   

Other amendments 

Draft amendments to MARPOL – prohibiting HFO in the Arctic 

The MEPC will consider with a view to adoption, draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I (addition of a new regulation 43A) to introduce a prohibition on the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil (HFO) by ships in Arctic waters on and after 1 July 2024. 

The prohibition would cover the use and carriage for use as fuel of oils having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s. Ships engaged in securing the safety of ships, or in search and rescue operations, and ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response would be exempted. Ships which meet certain construction standards with regard to oil fuel tank protection would need to comply on and after 1 July 2029. 

A Party to MARPOL with a coastline bordering Arctic waters may temporarily waive the requirements for ships flying its flag while operating in waters subject to that Party’s sovereignty or jurisdiction, up to 1 July 2029. 

The draft amendments were approved at MEPC 75, see  https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/MEPC-75th-session.aspx. 

Draft amendments to MARPOL Annexes I and IV concerning the exemption of UNSP barges from survey and certification requirements 

The MEPC will consider with a view to adoption, draft amendments to draft amendments to MARPOL Annexes I and IV concerning the exemption of UNSP barges from survey and certification requirements.  

The draft amendment specifies that the Administration may exempt a UNSP barge from the annual survey and certification requirements, for a period not exceeding 5 years provided that the UNSP barge has undergone a survey to confirm that certain conditions are met.  

The amendments also provide the form for the International Oil Pollution Exemption Certificate for Unmanned Non-self-propelled Barges. The MEPC is also expected to approve a related circular on guidelines for exemption of UNSP barges.  

The draft amendments were approved at MEPC 75, see  https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/MEPC-75th-session.aspx. 

Draft amendments to AFS Convention – cybutrene

The MEPC is expected to consider, with a view to adoption, draft amendments to the IMO Convention for the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention), to include controls on the biocide cybutryne.  

The AFS Convention already prohibits the use of biocides using organotin compounds. 

The draft amendments were approved at MEPC 75, see  https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/MEPC-75th-session.aspx. 

Other matters 

The MEPC is expected to consider other items , including 

Air pollution and energy efficiency 

  • draft amendments to the Guidance for best practice for member state/coastal state including the indicative example of licence for bunkering;  
  • a draft MEPC circular on proxy of offshore and marine contracting vessels and cruise passenger ships;  
  • draft Work Plan to progress the work on the Shaft/Engine Power Limitation concept; 
  • amendments to the Guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power to maintain the manoeuvrability of ships in adverse conditions; and  
  • draft amendments to the 2018 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained energy efficiency design index (EEDI) for new ships.  

 Work of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR)

 (see https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/PPR-default.aspx)  

  • two draft MEPC circulars relating to marine plastic litter (prepared by PPR 7), specifically on Provision of adequate facilities at ports and terminals for the reception of plastic waste from ships, and on sharing of results from research on marine litter and encouraging studies to better understand microplastics from ships;  
  • the proposed revised title and scope of work for the output on Evaluation and harmonization of rules and guidance on the discharge of discharge water from EGCS into the aquatic environment, including conditions and areas, as developed by PPR 7;  
  • a draft MEPC circular on Unified interpretations to the NOX Technical Code 2008; 
  • the decisions of PPR 8 in respect of evaluation of chemicals in bulk (i.e. carriage requirements for chemicals to be listed in the annual MEPC.2 circular on Provisional categorization of liquid substances in accordance with MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code); and 
  • the draft terms of reference for further work on reduction of the impact on the Arctic of Black Carbon emissions from international shipping, as agreed by PPR 8. 

Underwater noise – proposal for further work 

The Committee is expected to consider a proposal (document MEPC 75/14) for a new output on review of the 2014 Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life (MEPC.1/Circ.833) and identification of next steps.  

  

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 4 June, 2021

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.
Admin

Published

10 hours ago

on

July 22, 2026

By

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

Continue Reading

Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.
Admin

Published

10 hours ago

on

July 22, 2026

By

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

Continue Reading

LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Admin

Published

1 day ago

on

July 21, 2026

By

PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending