Air Emission Reductions Approved

Source: HK Law

The IMO said that the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) approved major changes to MARPOL Annex VI regulations to reduce harmful air emissions from ships. Sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions would be reduced by lowering the global cap on sulphur in fuel from 4.50% to 3.50% on 1 January 2012 and then progressively to 0.50% on 1 January 2020 (subject to a feasibility study to be completed no later than 2018). In Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs), limits would be reduced from 1.50% to 1.00% on 1 March 2010 and then to 0.10% on 1 January 2015. Tier III engines (those with stringent controls on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions) would be required on certain ships constructed on or after 1 January 2016. The MEPC also endorsed a proposal to expedite reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships.