India: MARPOL amendments entering into force on 1 May 2024

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has published a Merchant Shipping Notice No. 9 of 2024 announcing the implementation of 2024 MARPOL amendments effective May 1, 2024.

It emphasizes the applicability of these amendments to Indian vessels and others operating in Indian waters. The resolutions adopted by the 79th Session of the MEPC focus on key changes:

MEPC.361(79): Designates the Mediterranean Sea as an Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and Particular Matter, setting stricter limits for sulphur in fuel oil used onboard ships within this area compared to outside areas.
MEPC.360(79): Extends mandatory garbage record-keeping requirements to smaller ships, necessitating them to maintain records of garbage handling, incineration, permitted discharge, and accidental or exceptional loss of garbage into the sea.
MEPC.359(79), MEPC.360(79): Introduces regional arrangements for port reception facilities in the Arctic, impacting various MARPOL Annexes (I-VI) concerning oil, noxious liquid substances, sewage, garbage, and air pollution.
MEPC.365(79), MEPC.364(79): Amends appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI to report mandatory values related to implementing short-term greenhouse gas reduction measures, such as EEXI, CII, and rating values, to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS).
MEPC.362(79): Requires inclusion of fuel flashpoint information in bunker delivery notes (BDN) for fuel oil with flashpoints measured at or above 70ºC, amending appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI.

The notice is issued as guidance to stakeholders, including ship-owners, operators, and managers, with the approval of the Competent Authority.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):