IMO publishes MEPC 80 preview: revision of the GHG strategy

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) - 80th session will meet in-person at IMO Headquarters in London (with hybrid participation) from 3-7 July 2023.

Amongst key agenda items, the MEPC 80 session is expected to adopt an upgraded IMO greenhouse gas strategy, IMO reports in its press release.

The revised IMO GHG Strategy will contain concrete greenhouse gas reduction targets for the sector and is expected to outline a basket of technical and economic measures to be developed to set global shipping on an ambitious path towards phasing out greenhouse gas emissions.

Negotiations have been ongoing and will continue during the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15), which meets 26-30 June 2023.

MEPC 80 highlights:

• Tackling climate change - cutting GHG emissions from ships - Including adoption of the revised IMO GHG Strategy
• Energy efficiency of ships
• Ballast water management - including approval of the Convention Review Plan and adoption of amendments to the BWM Convention
• Biofouling management - revised Guidelines
• Designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area
• Underwater noise - revised guidelines
• Tackling marine litter
• Ship-to-ship transfer - proposed Assembly resolution
• Special areas - effective date for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden special areas under MARPOL Annexes I and V
• Other matters from the PPR Sub-committee

1.Tackling climate change - cutting GHG emissions from ships

IMO has developed global regulations on energy efficiency for ships (read more here) and continues to take concrete actions to ensure that international shipping bears its fair share of responsibility in addressing climate change.

After several months of negotiations, the MEPC 80 session is expected to adopt an upgraded IMO greenhouse gas Strategy. The IMO GHG Strategy will contain concrete greenhouse gas reduction targets for the sector and is expected to outline a basket of technical and economic measures to be developed to set global shipping on an ambitious path towards phasing out greenhouse gas emissions.

Negotiations are well advanced and will continue during the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) which meets the week before MEPC 80 (26-30 June 2023).

As it continues to look at how to incentivize the availability and scalability of sustainable low- and zero-carbon marine fuels and technologies in the near future, IMO will continue to support developing countries, in particular Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, with a view to ensuring a transition to low-carbon shipping which leaves no one behind and seizing development opportunities arising from the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

IMO is also accelerating its efforts in developing the necessary safety regulatory framework allowing the safe handling of future marine fuels on board of ships.

Revision of the initial IMO GHG Strategy

The Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) 26-30 June 2023 will report to the MEPC on its discussions.

It is anticipated that a working group will be established, during MEPC 80, to finalize the draft strategy, following plenary statements.

Mid-term measures including possible technical and economic measures

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.

An ad-hoc expert workshop on preliminary comparative analysis of candidate mid-term measures was held in May.

Measures which have been put forward for discussion and selection include technical elements such as a GHG intensity fuel standard; as well as economic elements such as a levy, reward, feebate or flat rate contribution.

The Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) will report to the MEPC on its discussions. The revised strategy is expected to set out the way forward for possible technical and economic measures to be further developed by IMO.

Next steps related to implementation of the revised strategy

The MEPC is expected to develop draft terms of reference for future ISWG-GHG meetings as well as the next steps for impact assessment of candidate measures.

Life cycle GHG assessment guidelines set for adoption

The MEPC is expected to consider the report of the Correspondence Group on Marine Fuel Life Cycle GHG Analysis, including draft Guidelines on life cycle GHG intensity of marine fuels (LCA guidelines) for consideration and adoption. The draft LCA guidelines 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 marine fuels.

Onboard CO₂ capture

The MEPC will consider a number of submissions related to onboard CO2 capture.

The submissions include those relating to onboard carbon capture (OCC) technology and a proposal on the way forward to review the current regulatory framework and consider how to move forward to potentially accommodate onboard CO2 capture within IMO's regulatory framework.

2. Energy Efficiency

Draft amendments to the Data Collection System (DCS)

The Committee is expected to consider and finalize draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI regarding the revision of the IMO ship fuel oil consumption Data Collection System (DCS).

The ISWG-GHG 14 session in March 2023 had discussed relevant proposals, noting broad support within the Group for the inclusion of data on transport work and on enhanced level of granularity of reported data in the DCS. The Group recommended that further consideration of proposed draft amendments to the DCS should be undertaken (with a view to finalization) by the Working Group on Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency, which is expected to be established during MEPC 80.

The draft amendments relate to MARPOL Annex VI Appendix IX on "Information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database" (relating to regulation 27), relating to reporting of data on cargo carried.

Review of the short-term measure (CII and EEXI)

The short-term GHG reduction measures CII rating, EEXI and enhanced SEEMP entered into force on 1 November 2022. (Read more here:FAQ - EEXI and CII - ship carbon intensity and rating system

The MEPC is expected to consider a number of submissions which relate to the review of the CII regulations and guidelines, which must be completed at the latest by 1 January 2026.

The MEPC 78 session had invited interested Member States and international organizations to collect relevant data in the early years of implementation of the CII rating system and to report relevant information to the Committee ahead of the review. As requested by MEPC 79, an IMO Secretariat paper (MEPC 80/6/7) sets out, for consideration by the Committee, how the review of the short-term measure could be conducted in an effective and efficient way.

3. Ballast water management – including approval of the Convention Review Plan and adoption of amendments to the BWM Convention

Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention Review Plan

The MEPC is expected to approve the Convention Review Plan (CRP) under the experience‑building phase associated with the BWM Convention, including the list of priority issues to be considered in the convention review stage, which will guide the comprehensive review of the BWM Convention over the next three years and the corresponding development of a package of amendments to the Convention.

BWM Convention amendments

The MEPC is expected to adopt amendments to appendix II of the Annex to the BWM Convention (Form of Ballast Water Record Book).

Implementing the BWM Convention

The MEPC is expected to discuss a number of matters relating to the implementation of the BWM Convention, including:

• Further consider, with a view to approval, guidance on the application of the BWM Convention to ships operating in challenging water quality.
• Consider, with a view to approval, guidance on matters relating to ballast water record-keeping and reporting and discuss possible consequential amendments to the Guidelines (G4) and (G6).
• Consider, with a view to approval, guidance on the temporary storage of treated sewage and grey water in ballast tanks, and possible consequential amendments to the BWM Convention.
• Consider proposals regarding the approval of modifications to ballast water management systems with existing type approval.
• Approve a draft Protocol for verification of ballast water compliance monitoring devices. This Protocol, developed in the PPR Sub‑Committee, is an important tool to support effective implementation of the BWM Convention by enabling the use of devices for a variety of purposes that satisfy a common level of quality. These include commissioning testing of ballast water management systems, port State control inspections, and ships' self-monitoring.
• Approve a draft unified interpretation to the form of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) and regulations B-3.5 and B-3.10 of the BWM Convention, regarding the "date of construction" for a ship which has undergone a major conversion in order to implement the BWM Convention.

Approve a number of ballast water management systems which make use of Active Substances, based on the outcome of the 43rd meeting of the GESAMP Ballast Water Working Group.

4. Biofouling management - draft revised Biofouling Guidelines set for adoption

The MEPC is expected to adopt the revised Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (Biofouling Guidelines), following a comprehensive review of the Guidelines.

The 2023 Guidelines, developed in the PPR Sub-Committee, expand on and update the previous version, with a view to strengthening it and increasing its uptake.

Biofouling is the accumulation of aquatic organisms on wetted or immersed surfaces such as ships and other offshore structures. Good biofouling management can help protect marine biodiversity by preventing the transfer of invasive aquatic species. Keeping a ship's hull clean can also reduce the ship's greenhouse gas emissions by improving fuel efficiency.

The Biofouling Guidelines were first adopted in 2011 and are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling. The MEPC 72 session (2018) decided to initiate a review, to take into account best practices and experience as well as the latest research.

The GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships Project and the related TEST (Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies) Biofouling Project, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), support developing countries to implement the Biofouling Guidelines and trial relevant technologies.

5. Designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area

The MEPC is expected to designate a particular sensitive sea area in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea (NW Med PSSA) to protect cetaceans from international shipping.

The Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 10) in May approved draft associated protective measures (APMs) within the particularly sensitive sea area. They include recommended measures for shipping, such as reducing speed, increased look out and reporting of cetacean sighting and any collisions.

6. Addressing underwater noise – revised guidelines

The MEPC is expected to approve draft revised Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life. The revised guidelines were developed by the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 9).

The draft guidelines recognize that commercial shipping is one of the main contributors to underwater radiated noise (URN) which has adverse effects on critical life functions for a wide range of marine life, including marine mammals, fish and invertebrate species, upon which many coastal Indigenous communities depend for their food, livelihoods and cultures.

They include updated technical knowledge, including reference to international measurement standards, recommendations and classification society rules. They also provide sample templates to assist shipowners with the development of an underwater radiated noise management plan.

They provide an overview of approaches applicable to designers, shipbuilders and ship operators to reduce the underwater radiated noise of any given ship. They are intended to assist relevant stakeholders in establishing mechanisms and programmes through which noise reduction efforts can be realized.

The previous guidelines were issued in 2014.

7. Tackling marine litter

Development of recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers

The MEPC is expected to note and concur with the ongoing work in the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) to address the risks to the marine environment from plastic pellets. This risk has been highlighted by incidents, including the X-Press Pearl in 2021, during which 11,000 tonnes of plastic pellets were spilled off the shore of Sri Lanka.

In particular, the PPR Sub-Committee has developed a draft MEPC circular on recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers. The draft text, which addresses packaging and transport information, will be submitted to the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 9, which meets 20-29 September) for input and then submitted to MEPC 81 for approval.

At a later stage, the development of amendments to appropriate mandatory instruments, subject to proposals by Member States and international organizations to MEPC, as appropriate, could be informed by the experience gained from the implementation of the voluntary measures.

The MEPC is expected to note that the PPR Sub-Committee has agreed that plastic pellets should not be carried in bulk.

Mandatory reporting of lost containers – draft MARPOL amendments set for approval

The MEPC will consider for approval, for subsequent adoption, draft amendments to MARPOL protocol I referring to a procedure for reporting lost freight containers. Containers lost overboard can be a serious hazard to navigation and safety at sea as well as to the marine environment.

The draft amendments to article V of protocol I of the MARPOL Convention– Provisions concerning reports on incidents involving harmful substances, would add a new paragraph to say that "In case of the loss of freight container(s), the report required by article II (1) (b) shall be made in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS regulations V/31 and V/32."

Related draft SOLAS chapter V amendments were approved by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 107), to require the master of every ship involved in the loss of freight container(s) to communicate the particulars of such an incident to ships in the vicinity, to the nearest coastal State, and also to the flag State.

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.

8. Ship-to-ship transfers – proposed Assembly resolution

The Committee is expected to discuss a document aiming to raise awareness on the potential environmental risks and the consequences and concerns for the global marine pollution prevention and liability and compensation regimes relating to the increase in ship-to-ship transfers at sea. A draft Assembly resolution is proposed. (This follows discussions on this matter in the Legal Committee.)

9. Special areas –effective date for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden special areas under MARPOL Annexes I and V

The MEPC will consider establishing the effective date for the the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden special areas under MARPOL Annexes I and V, based on information provided related to the status of available necessary reception facilities for MARPOL Annexes I and V wastes and residues, covering all the ports and terminals within the areas.

10. Other matters from the PPR Sub-Committee

Inventory of Hazardous Materials – revision of guidelines

The MEPC is expected to adopt the 2023 Guidelines for the development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, following amendments to the Anti-fouling Systems (AFS) Convention to include controls on cybutryne.

Operational Guide on the Response to Spills of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS)

The MEPC is expected to approve the final draft of the Operational Guide on the Response to Spills of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS). The guidance is for first responders and decision-makers in preparation for and during a maritime incident at sea or in port, when such an incident involves HNS.

Guidelines for thermal waste treatment devices

The MEPC is expected to adopt the 2023 Guidelines for thermal waste treatment devices.

Marine diesel engine replacing a steam system – draft MARPOL Annex VI amendments

The MEPC is expected to approve draft amendments to regulation 13.2.2 of MARPOL Annex VI on a marine diesel engine replacing a steam system, with a view to adoption at MEPC 81.

Electronic bunker delivery note - Unified interpretation to regulations 18.5 and 18.6 of MARPOL Annex VI

The MEPC will consider a draft new unified interpretation to regulations 18.5 and 18.6 of MARPOL Annex VI, for approval and inclusion in a revision of MEPC.1/Circ.795/rev.7 on unified interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI. The unified interpretation states that the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) is acceptable in either hard copy or electronic format.

Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions - proposed output

The MEPC will consider a draft scope of work on the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, prepared by the PPR Sub-Committee. This work would aim to investigate how the reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions could contribute to the implementation of the IMO GHG Strategy and would consider how to involve terminals in the reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions as well as current and potential new regulation and guidance.

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