MARPOL Annex VI

Emissions Control Ara (ECA)

Effective from 1^st May 2025, the Mediterranean sea will become part of an emissions control area under the IMO, reference MEPC.261(79). Vessels transiting this area will now require adherence to ECA regulations on sulphur oxides and particulate matter, burning compliant fuels of 0.1% Sulphur or having an approved EGCS in place. Vessels will need to obtain clear bunker delivery notes stating the sulphur content as well as recording this accurately into the Oil Record Book Part I.  Vessels will require a written procedure describing how the fuel changeover is to be carried out, taking into consideration the time taken to entirely change over to compliant fuel within the complete fuel system pipelines.

Further Amendments

Further amendments have been made to MARPOL Annex VI as per IMO resolution MEPC.385(81) which will come into force on 1^st August 2025.

• Regulations 2, 14 and Appendix I has been revised to bring clarity to the definition of gas fuels as well as stating that the onboard sampling points do not apply to gas/low flashpoint fuels.
• Regulation 18 has been revised to include gas/low flashpoint fuels into the bunker delivery note (BDN) requirements. Vessels operating on gas/low flashpoint fuels should ensure the BDN received includes all required information as per Appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI.
• Regulation 13.2.2 clarifies that replacing a steam engine with a diesel engine is considered a major conversion. Replacement engines must comply with Regulation 13 for Nitrogen Oxides. In the event that a Tier III engine is not possible, a Tier II engine can be used in line with resolution MEPC.396(81). The flag administration must report this to the IMO.
• Regulation 27 – Amendments to this regulation allow the IMO to share ships fuel oil consumption data with analytical consultancies and research entities with the companies consent under strict confidentiality. Additionally, Appendix IX has been updated for the information to be submitted to the IMO. This allows for further granularity regarding fuel consumption and voyage data. Vessels over 5000GT should ensure their SEEMP Part II, for data collection, is modified to meet the new updates.