Australia issues notice for EGCS usage requirements

Australian Maritime Safety Authority has issued the notice with requirements for the use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems in Australian waters.

The purpose of this marine notice is to advise vessel owners, operators and masters of Australia’s requirements for the use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) to support compliance with the sulphur limit of 0.50 mass per cent concentration (m/m) in fuel oil as required by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI and Australia’s domestic law.

This notice should be read in conjunction with MARPOL Annex VI and associated guidelines, relevant Acts, and Marine Orders.

Use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems in Australian waters

The use of an EGCS is permitted in Australian waters as an option to comply with the low sulphur fuel requirements of MARPOL Annex VI, as set out in the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983, section 26FEGA, provided it is approved by the vessel’s flag State Administration, or a recognised organisation appointed by the flag State.

The EGCS must also be operated in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements, including the 2021 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (resolution MEPC.340(77)).

EGCS malfunctions

If there is an EGCS malfunction, action must be taken as soon as possible to identify and remedy the malfunction.

Any EGCS malfunction that lasts more than one hour, or repetitive malfunctions, should be reported to the flag State Administration and Competent Authority of the port State of the vessel's destination.

The report should include an explanation of the steps that are being taken to address the failure.