Meetings and summaries

Main conclusions from the 45th session of the Committee on Facilitation of Maritime Traffic (FAL45)

FAL 45 was held remotely on Tuesday 1 June to Friday 4 June and on Monday 7 June. Due to the virtual format of the meeting and the consequential time constrains it was decided to postpone a number of items suggested by the Chair until FAL 46.

Review and update of the annex of the FAL convention

The Committee adopted important adjustments of the annex on several important areas such as digitalization and data harmonization and reduction of the use of paper-declarations. Furthermore, adjustments were adopted in several areas including prevention of stowaway cases and treatment of stowaways, elimination of maritime corruption and smuggling activities as well as provisions ensuring facilitation of maritime traffic during a public health emergency of international concern.  The adjustments were adopted with a view to approval and subsequent adoption at FAL 46.

Guidance to address maritime corruption

The Committee agreed to re-establish the Correspondence Group on Guidance to Address Maritime Corruption and instructed it to finish the work on developing draft Guidance to implement and embrace anti-bribery and anti-corruption practices and procedures. The group was further instructed to consider the proposal to establish a GISIS module as a platform to report alleged cases for further use by the Organization for statistical purposes and development of new maritime corruption technical cooperation activities to be offered to alleged affected countries with the financial support of a new Facilitation Trust Fund.

Work programme

The Committee agreed to the inclusion of a new output in the agenda for FAL 46 on the introduction of the Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) concept in maritime transport.

On the 103rd meeting of IMOs Maritime Safety Committee at the beginning of May 2021 the following issues were considered.

Adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments

The Committee adopted amendments to:

• The SOLAS 1974 Convention, on water level detectors and survival craft embarkation and launching arrangements
• The 2011 ESP-Code, on minimum requirements for thickness measurements at renewal surveys of double-hull oil tankers
• The FSS-Code, on isolator modules on fire detector systems installed at cabin balconies
• The LSA-Code, on launching of free-fall lifeboats
• The STCW Convention on the definition of High-voltage as well as The STCW-Code on recognition of an electro-technical officer. 

The Covid-19 situation

With reference to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Committee repeated its former recognition of seafarers as "key workers" for the global supply chain. The Committee also encouraged the Member States to include their own seafarers in the national vaccination programs. 

Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea

The burden of- and continued impacts of Piracy was a priority during the meeting. Accordingly an important resolution underlining that pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea was a growing problem which all member states, International Organizations and the industry should join up fighting against through all relevant means. 

In the new IMO-resolution a number of tools are addressed, which can be brought in use to avoid assaults in the area. Such measures could be, improved cooperation between the coastal states in the area on the prosecution of pirates as well as the dissemination of experiences on physical protection of ships within international law.  The Committee further agreed to continue its work on establishing an accurate picture of the situation in the area through increased reporting of incidents, information and sharing of information, so that the available resources could be optimized. Finally the Committee encouraged the member states to join up on the challenges though existing frameworks such as the so-called G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea”-programme.

Safety of ships fuels (bunkers)

On 1st January 2020 the global Sulphur limitation on ships fuels to a maximum of 0,5% entered into force. The shipping industry had in this connection experienced safety problems with (new) blended fuels. Problems which could be attributed to the new practice where fuel oil supplier blended different productions of fuels to reduce the content of Sulphur in the end product. Mixtures which had led to fuels with (to) low flashpoints thus making them unable to be used for powering of the engines of ships. Further some of the mixtures had blocked fuel-filters and triggered engine-stops.

The Committee considered these challenges and encouraged that deficient bunker consignments are reported just at appropriate steps are taken towards the involved suppliers. The Committee continued its work on an appropriate guideline to deal with these deficient fuel consignments. Due to the complexity of the issue, the work was however not completed during the meeting. Accordingly, a working group was tasked to continue the work and report on its outcome at the Committee meeting in the spring of 2022.

Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)

The scoping exercise on identifying the regulatory framework that obstructs or restricts the use of autonomous technology in ships was completed and agreed during the meeting. The scoping exercise has revealed a number of challenges to be solved including a common terminology on the extent of autonomy just as the role of the master - in a remotely controlled ship - needs to be clarified.

The outcome of the scoping exercise is maintained in a corresponding report which may be used as a starting point for future work on the development of rules that facilitates the use of autonomous technology in international shipping. A work however that depends on specific proposals from the Member States.

Dissemination of safety information's through the GMDSS-system

The recognition of Iridium as a provider of GMDSS services has made it possible to transmit MSI and SAR-related information (safety information's) over multiple recognized mobile satellite services. It has however also involved additional costs on the transmission of safety information's to ships. Costs that need to be transposed in a new cost-sharing model recognizing the involved the interests and the expected trend with a growing number of service providers.

The Committee agreed that safety information's - in principle - should be distributed through all the recognized platforms. The ships however should not be met by additional cost regardless of their choice of service provider. It was further recognized that the new service providers - during the approval process - had informed that the recognition of their system would not involve (new) additional cost to the maritime community.

The Committee considered if another cost sharing structure could be developed, if there was other ways to finance the distribution of safety information's and whether there were other ways that the cost impacts could be reduced.

The Committee however recognized that this issue was quite complex and that a balanced solution required further examination of the proposed solutions and the involved impacts.  It was therefore decided to establish a correspondence group to assess and further develop the possible solutions and report on their outcome on the meeting of the Committee planned for the spring of 2022.

Minutes of the eighth meeting of the IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue (NCSR 8), held remotely on the 19–23 of April 2021

Routeing measures and mandatory ship reporting systems

The Sub-Committee agreed to postpone submitted proposals for NCSR 8 to NCSR 9. The Secretariat propose to have a meeting of the Experts Group on Ships' Routeing in advance of the plenary session of NCSR 9, with a view to giving preliminary consideration to all proposals to be submitted to NCSR 9.

Revision of chapters III and IV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) for modernization of the GMDSS and the development of GMDSS satellite services

The Sub-Committee finalized the revision of SOLAS chapters III and IV during this meeting. A part from the revision of SOLAS, the focus was also on modernization of the GMDSS, including related and consequential amendments to associated instruments.

It was agreed to amend titles and first paragraphs of regulations IV/8 to 11 so that each regulation would refer to one specific sea area only. This was to clarify the requirements applicable in sea areas A1 to A4 individually based on the understanding that sea areas may not be sequentially progressing from A1 to A4 in some parts of the world.

Furthermore, the changes to the sea areas was also necessary after the recognition of the mobile satellite service Iridium.

Denmark supported the modifications to the draft revision of the Performance standards for a shipborne Integrated Radiocommunication System (IRCS) when used in the GMDSS (resolution A.811(19)).

Terms of reference where made for the 17^th meeting of the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group on Maritime Radio communication. The Expert group is instructed to e.g., consider the draft revisions of COMSAR/circ. 32, to further the matter on electromagnetic interference effect of light-emitting diode lighting systems and to consider the proposed revisions to Recommendation ITU-R M.1371-5 on Technical characteristics for an automatic identification system using time division multiple access in the VHF maritime mobile frequency band.

The draft amendments to SOLAS chapters III and IV, related and consequential amendments was finalized at NSCR 8 for approval by MSC 103 in 2021 and adoption by MSC 104 in 2021.

Revision of Resolution A.949(23) of the guidelines on Places of Refuge  for  ships  in need of assistance

The Sub-Committee finalized the review of the draft resolution and started to consider the guidelines in the annex, however, due to time constraints, agreed instead to recommend to re-establish the Correspondence Group to progress and complete the review and to report to NCSR 9.

The Sub-Committee recommended the re-establishment of the Correspondence Group on Revision of the guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance (resolution A.949(23)), under coordination of the United Kingdom.

Recognizing that 2021 is the target completion year of this output, the Sub-Committee also recommended its extension to 2022

Development in GMDSS service, including guidelines on Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

The Sub-Committee postponed the discussion of dissemination of MSI to NCSR 9. The reason for the postponement was due to the time limitations of the meeting.

The approval of Iridium SafetyCast manual was initially postponed for a future session. However, it was agreed by United Kingdom and United States to continue the work on the revision of the Iridium SafetyCast manual after NCSR 8. The intention is to have a revised version of the Iridium SafetyCast manual ready for MSC 104.

Furthermore, the Sub-Committee invited to consider the broadcast of information through the International Enhanced Group Call (EGC) service. The Sub-Committee requested the secretariat to prepare guidance for dissemination of SAR-related information through the international EGC service, in consultation with the IMO Enhanced Group Call Coordinating Panel, recognized mobile satellite service providers and the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on Harmonization of aeronautical and maritime search and rescue.

ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on Harmonization of aeronautical and maritime search and rescue was instructed, by the Sub-Committee, to review the current guidance in the IAMSAR Manual on dissemination of SAR-related information through the international EGC service and prepare amendments.

Use of multiple recognized mobile satellite services

Recognizing varying degrees of national requirements for SAR authorities to disseminate SAR-related information using the Iridium SafetyCast service, the Sub-Committee encouraged search and rescue authorities to consider using all recognized mobile satellite services within their areas of responsibility to ensure the integrity of the GMDSS.

Safety measures for non-solas ships operating in polar waters

On the agenda item for Safety Measures for Non-SOLAS ships operating in polar waters, the Sub-Committee acknowledge the complexity to address the wide variety of ships and craft. The outcome of the Sub-Committee meeting on this agenda item was limited, considering the complex area, the virtual meeting platform and limited time to address the agenda item both in plenary and working group.

The Sub-Committee agreed to reestablish the Correspondence Group for working with outstanding issues, consider if appropriate, exemptions and administrations discretion should be developed, and consider if application of the POLAR Code chapter 9 and 11, Part I-A should be considered mandatory for ship sizes not already addressed by the already accomplished work, if found necessary. Some delegations especially expressed the view to include fishing vessels below 24 meter in length, in this work.
The NCSR Sub-Committee acknowledge and noted that the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has already instructed the SDC Sub-Committee to work on non-mandatory instruments which is covering some of the same ship types. These guidelines are expected to become available, once approved by the MSC, and will have relevant safety of navigation and voyage planning guidelines as non-mandatory instruments.

Recognition of the Japanese regional navigation satellite system Quasi Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)

The Sub-Committee agreed that, the recognition of the Japanese regional navigation satellite system “Quasi-Zenith Satelite System (QZSS) as a future component of the World-wide Radionavigation System (WWRNS), should be send to MSC 104 for approval and adoption as a component of the Worldwide Radionavigation System.

Report on monitoring of ECDIS issues

The report is introducing the S-101 standard and explaining the result and implications for existing and new ECDIS installations.

The Sub-Committee noted the information provided, reporting on ECDIS issues, and invited interested Member States and international organizations to contribute to the work of IHO in the preparation of amendments to resolution MSC.232(82) and MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.1.

Support was expressed for the implementation of the IHO's S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model and the recognition of S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) for ECDIS, emphasizing also the need to align the work schedule of the Organization with that of IHO on this matter to ensure implementation of S-100 product specifications by 2024, with a transitional phase up to 2030.

The thirty-third extraordinary session of the Council was held remotely on 8 April 2021

Consideration of draft amendments to the IMO Convention related to Council reform and associated draft Assembly resolutions

The Council approved draft amendments to Articles 16, 17, 18, 19(b) and 81 of the IMO Convention and the associated draft Assembly resolution.

These amendments entails that the number of Council members will increase from 40 to 52. Group A and B will consist of 12 States each and group C will consist of 28 States.

Members in Council will also hold office for four years instead of two years, which is the current election period.   

Moreover, it was decided that Arabic, Chinese and Russian should be added as authentic languages of the IMO Convention in Article 81 of the Convention.

Summary from the eight meeting in IMO sub-committee Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR8) held virtual from 22 to 26 of March 2021.

ESPH

The Sub-committee agreed on amendments to the IBC Code, as well as routine ongoing updates. At PPR8 is was discussed and agreed to a generic entry for "Palm oil mill effluent (POME) technical oil" be included in List 1 of the draft MEPC.2/Circular and subsequently in chapter 17 of the IBC Code and forwarded for finalization to MEPC.

Biofouling

IMO has issued “2011 Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic During the PPR7 meeting in February 2020 a correspondence group was established, which was given the mandate to review these guidelines. The result of this work was presented in a submitted paper to this PPR8 meeting. Based on the work conducted, the sub-committee decided to re-establish the correspondence group to finalize the review of the guidelines for the next meeting (PPR9). From the Danish side, the Environmental Protection Agency will participate in this correspondence group.

Sewage treatment plants 

This session of PPR reviewed the report of the correspondence group (CG) which presented, a new draft of the associated guidelines (2012 Guidelines on implementation of effluent standards and performance tests for sewage treatment plants (resolution MEPC.227(64))).

PPR 8 has agreed for the continuation of the CG with the flexibility for the coordinators to convene virtual meetings in addition to the work by correspondence. The subcommittee has requested MEPC 76 to allow an extension of the target completion year for the output to 2023.

Black Carbon

The work on Black Carbon was included on the agenda of PPR in 2011, and where the subject of discussion in the beginning was definition and measurement methods, regulation is now being considered. The report of the correspondence group running from PPR 7 to PPR 8 was the outset for the discussions, along with commenting papers.

It was agreed to ask MEPC 76 to approve the update of the Terms of Reference for the group, in order to continue the work of developing a goal based recommendatory guideline at PPR 9.

Marine Plastic Litter from ships

The Correspondence Group presented their report and Vanuatu presented their paper (PPR 8/8/1) on reporting without discussion Wednesday. The Chair concluded that the agenda point would be postponed until PPR 9 without discussion and no intersessional work. Vanuatu insisted that there would be a working group at PPR 9, which were supported by some other delegations.

Ballast water

This agenda item included the subject ballast water. A proposed protocol for verification and certification of indicative methods was submitted. Indicative methods provide an estimate of the viable organisms in ballast water samples much faster than laboratory based analysis methods and are used for commissioning testing and port state controls, among others. Two commenting papers to this protocol was submitted containing proposals for a revision of technical aspects. The sub-committee decided to establish a correspondence group to finalize the protocol for the next meeting (PPR9). From the Danish side, the Environmental Protection Agency will participate in this correspondence group.

Measures to reduce HFO in Arctic

The sub-committee decided to go with the version of the draft guidelines with the responsibilities of Maritime Administrator (MA) and Ship Operator (OP) restructured into separate sections. The sub-committee is expected to finalise the draft guidelines at PPR 9. Also PPR 9 is expected to set up a drafting group for review of the draft guidelines, with the intent of subsequent approval by MEPC. The sub-committee has requested MEPC 76 to extend the target completion year for this output to 2022

TC 70 was held remotely on Monday 7 December to Friday 11 December 2020. 

Integrated technical cooperation programme

The Committee approved the establishment of a correspondence group on measuring the impact of technical cooperation in training and capacity-building.

The correspondence group will consider how Member States can evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the ITCP, including how information on ITCP activities can be made available to Member States on the IMO website.   

The group will report on their work at TC 71.

Regional presence and coordination

The Committee expressed support for IMO’s current Regional Presence Scheme, but agreed that the Scheme required additional review and reform. The Committee also noted that an expansion of the current Regional Presence Scheme would have budgetary considerations and would therefore need to be considered by the Council.

The Committee invited the Secretariat to continue the review and reform of the Scheme and report accordingly to TC 71.

In addition, the Committee reiterated its support in principle for the establishment of regional presence officers in the MENA and Pacific regions, and requested the Secretariat to carry out an analysis of the cost implications of establishing new RPOs in both the MENA and Pacific regions.

The Committee also agreed to amend Assembly resolution A.1128 (30) on Financing and partnership arrangements for an effective and sustainable ITCP in order to reflect the need to strengthen the role of regional presence officers, including the need to secure the necessary resources before expanding the programme.

The amendment will be finalized at TC 71 with a view subsequent Assembly approval.

Work programme

The Committee approved the biennial status report of the Technical Cooperation Committee for the 2020-2021 biennium.

Moreover, in light of MEPC 75 and the "Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships”, the Committee agreed to further discuss resource mobilization for assisting developing countries, in particular LDCs and SIDS, at future sessions. 

MEPC 75 had requested the Committee to initiate discussion on possible means of resource mobilization to complement any response, if the comprehensive impact assessment of the short-term measure would find that there were likely disproportionately negative impacts on those States.

Any other business

The Committee considered a proposal of the United Arab Emirates on the resumption of ITCP activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the potential use of e-conferencing services as a tool to continue the delivery of ITCP activities remotely during the pandemic.

In light of the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was general support for this proposal and the Committee further invited the Secretariat to include e-conferencing services, e-learning and online courses in the long-term strategy on the review and reform of IMO's technical cooperation.

Resume from 107th Session of IMO Legal Committee (LEG 107)

Part of the agenda was postponed to LEG 108 because of the virtual format and the compressed program.

Agenda item 4, 5 and 10

Agenda item 4 regarding abandonment of seafarers were discussed together with agenda item 5 ”Fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident” and agenda item 10 ”Matters relating to the work of the Legal Committee and the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The proposal from India for a possible amendment to MLC, 2006, to incorporate provisions to enable the financial security necessary for the replacement of seafarers by the P & I insurer was discussed.

The Committee was of the view that an amendment to MLC, 2006 was not within the remit of IMO and requested the IMO Secretariat to communicate the Committee's support on the issue to the STC of MLC, 2006 of ILO, scheduled to meet in April 2021.

A number of member states were positive towards a more widespread and global ratification of the MLC convention and states that it was unacceptable that seafarers were abandoned.

In regards to the proposal from Ukraine for the MLC to be a part of the Member State Auidt Scheme the Committee stated that the MLC convention was not an IMO instrument and the proposal was not adopted.

A number of member states reported specific examples on the challenges on crew changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Committee adopted a new output for the Committees provisional agenda to establish an IMO/ILO working group to work with seafarers rights in regards to maritime crimes.

Agenda item 7

Under agenda item 7”Measures to prevent unlawful practices associated with the fraudulent registration and fraudulent registries of ships” many states stated that the development is worrying and needed to be followed closely.

The proposal for the established working group to continue its work on how to prevent fraudulent ship registration and fraudulent registries was adopted. The working group will present its results on LEG 108.

Agenda item 9

Under agenda item 9 “Unified Interpretation on the test for breaking the owner's right to limit liability under the IMO conventions” the established working group presented its results and work progress so far.

It was agreed that the working group would continue its work on a unified interpretation and present its results on LEG 108. Georgia took the lead role for the working group.

Summary of MEPC 75

The seventy-fifth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, originally scheduled to be held from 30 March to 3 April 2020, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held remotely from 16 to 20 November 2020 (Circular Letter No.3985/Rev.1), chaired by Mr. H. Saito (Japan). The Vice-Chair of the Committee, Mr. H. Conway (Liberia), was also present.

Amendments to mandatory instruments

• MARPOL Annex VI, concerning procedures for sampling and verification of the sulphur content and the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI); and
• The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention), concerning commissioning testing of ballast water management systems and the form of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate.

Amendments to MARPOL annex VI:

The amendments to MARPOL adds a new sample to be taken of the oil onboard ships. Previously 2 samples were taken, a MARPOL sample and a sample of the fuel oil in use on board the ship. The new sample is from the ships storage tanks. In conjunction with the amendments a procedure for taken this sample was approved as well.

Amendments to BWM convention.

The amendments is concerning commissioning testing of ballast water management systems before the system can be approved. Furthermore an addition, which indicates how the ship is in compliance with the BWM, to the form of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate was added.

GHG

The outcome and the report from ISWG-GHG 7, including amendments to MAPROL Annex VI and ToR for a Comprehensive Impact Assessment was discussed.

Many Member States supported the outcome, although some Member States as well as NGOs expressed criticism over the new amendments to MARPOL annex VI

Some Member States expressed support to the amendments to MARPOL annex VI but they also found it important to finalize the Comprehensive impact assessment before a final decision on the amendment could be made at MEPC 76. Furthermore the same countries expressed that they were of that opinion that the amendments and the impact assessment should be seen as one.

The Committee approved the suggested new amendment to MARPOL Annex VI for final approval at MEPC 76.

Approval of the 4. IMO GHG study

All member states expressed support for the Committee to approve the final version of the IMO’s 4. GHG study and thanked the steering committee and its chairman for the work. The MEPC committee approved the 4 IMO GHG study, and the Secretariat was asked to release the study.

The suggestion on an International Maritime Research Board

The agenda included a preliminary discussion on the suggestion from the shipping industry regarding the establishment of an International Maritime Research fond and an associated management board. There was both voiced positions for and against the proposal amongst the member states.

The Committee adopted resolution MEPC.327 (5) on Encouragement of Member states to develop and submit voluntary National Action Plans to address GHG emissions from ships. The Committee instructed the Secretariat to facilitate the sharing of the submitted National Action Plans by developing and updating a dedicated page on the IMO website and reporting to the Committee. 

EEDI

Most documents were forwarded to MEPC76 but it was decided that the Correspondence group on a phase 4 of EEDI should continue and report to MEPC 76. Furthermore a correspondence group was established on air emissions and EEDI. This group should report back to MEPC76.

AFS convention:

The Committee approved the suggestions of new amendment to the AFS convention, which means that cybutryne in addition to TBT is not allowed to be used in antifouling paint. The amendments enters into force at the next renewal survey performed after July 1, 2022 but no later than 60 months after latest application of antifouling paint containing cubutryne. Additionally, two sections was added regarding timely issuing of the updated ”International Anti-fouling System Certificates” certificates. Final adoption will be at MEPC 76.

HFO in Arctic

The Committee approved the amendments to MARPOL Annex I. This forbids international ships to use HFO in the Arctic from July 1, 2024. The amendment gives the possibility for Arctic states to issue a temporary waiver until 2029 to ships  flying the flag of an Arctic coastal state that complies with the Polar Code. The ban is mandatory for all ships by 1 of July 2029. The amendments is scheduled for final adoption at MEPC 76. 

Election of chair and vice-chair

Both the chairman and the vice-chair were re-elected.

Summary of IMO Maritime Safety Committee 102

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic MSC 102 was postponed from May 2020 to November 2020. Moreover, the meeting was held remotely on a virtual platform.

Towing and mooring

The Committee approved a regulation and a set of guidelines concerning the safety of seafarers when conducting towing and mooring operations. This work was originally initiated by Denmark who also took an active part in finalizing the regulation and corresponding guidelines which will enter into force on 1 January 2024.

The regulation embraces the violent forces at play in mooring of ships and the significant development of ship sizes, which has taken place in recent decades. The new amendments ensure improved safety by using appropriate design and equipment.

Industrial Personnel (IP) Code

The Committee agreed that, with the entry into force of the IP Code (In-dustrial Personnel), existing ships certified under the Interim Recom-mendations (resolution MSC. 418(97)) should be allowed to operate, provided that they also meet some of the operational and equipment re-quirements in the new IP Code. This includes vessels transporting indus-trial personnel such as repair workers to offshore units.

Moreover, this may include a transitional period. Accordingly, the Committee instructed SDC 8 to develop grandfathering provisions for existing ships certified under the Interim Recommendations previously agreed by the Committee.

The Committee also acknowledged the need to finalize the forthcoming IP Code to enter into force with the next SOLAS 2024 amendments. An intersessional working group will be established in the beginning of 2021 to complete the work with the aim of adoption in 2022.

Crew change matters

The Committee also addressed international crew change issues in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee recognized the Recommended Framework of Protocols related to safe ship crew changes, which has been developed by the in-dustry. Moreover, the Committee agreed that the IMO Secretariat should continue to keep industry guidelines up to date and available to those concerned.

The Committee also requested the Secretariat to develop, as a matter of priority, a GISIS module (IMO's online platform) for the dissemination of information by Member States regarding ports that facilitated crew changes.

Summary of IMO Council 124

Budgetary matters

Expenditure for 2020 can be maintained within the approved budget across all funds and no additional funds would be required for 2021.

However, the Council also approved in principle that the Secretary-General may make any uncommitted balance of the 2020 appropriations in any fund from 2020 available for transfer to 2021 in the same fund in order to offset unexpected expenditures in 2021.

The Council also welcomed and forwarded the external audit report for the financial year 2019 to the thirty-second regular session of the Assembly.

Council reform

The Council agreed to re-establish the Council working group on Council reform. The working group will meet intersessional and remotely to prepare draft amendments to the IMO Convention.

Moreover, it was agreed to hold the thirty-third extraordinary session of the Council remotely, as a 1-day session prior to May 2021, for the sole purpose of approving amendments to the IMO Convention submitted by the Council working group.

Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2020-2021 biennium

The current Chair of the Council, Mr. Xiaojie Zhang, had informed the Secretary-General that the 124th session of the Council would be the last session chaired by him during the 2020-2021 biennium.

The current Vice-Chair, Mr. Edmundo Deville del Campo, will act as Chair in his place.

Main conclusions from the 44h session of the Committee on Facilitation of Maritime Traffic (FAL44)

FAL 44 was held remotely on Monday 28 September to Friday 2 Octo-ber 2020. FAL 44 was originally scheduled to be held from 20 to 24 April 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the format of the meeting (virtual) it was decided to postpone a number of items suggested by the Chair until FAL 45. No final conclusions on items were made at the meeting which mainly focused on decisions al-lowing the work of the committee to continue.

General statements

The Committee noted statements by the delegation of Denmark and the observers of ICS and IFSMA regarding the rescue of people in distress at sea by Maersk Etienne and its aftermath. In this regard, the Committee agreed to inform the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the state-ments made and invited interested Member States and international or-ganizations to submit proposals for further action on this important mat-ter to the Committee.

Electronic Business

A working group on electronic business was established to work along-side the plenary. Among other things the group prepared terms of refer-ence for a new correspondence group including producing two sets of guidelines for:
a. authentication, integrity and confidentiality of content for the pur-pose of exchange via Maritime Single Window
b. harmonised communication and electronic data exchange of opera-tional data for port calls.

Review and update of the annex of the FAL convention

The Committee discussed review and update of the annex of the FAL convention on the basis of the report from the correspondence group. It was agreed to delete all the lists of data provided for each of the FAL declarations and replace those lists in Standard 2.10.5 with a single ref-erence to a table that would sum up all the data required in the various declarations. It was further agreed to merge, in a single Standard, the ex-isting Standards related to the authentication requirements for each of the declarations in the annex of the FAL Convention (new Standard 1.8.2). Finally it was agreed that a questionnaire on the use of FAL Form 2 – Cargo Declaration - was circulated among member states in order to collect more information on its use before deciding whether to delete it.

The Committee agreed to re-establish a Correspondence Group which up until the next FAL committee meeting will continue the revision and update of the annex. Among other things the group will consider the suggestions put forward at the meeting for possible amendments to the annex of the FAL Convention to ensure the facilitation of maritime traf-fic during a public health emergency of international concern.

Guidance to address maritime corruption

The Committee agreed to establish the Correspondence Group on Guid-ance to Address Maritime and instructed it to develop draft Guidance to implement and embrace anti-bribery and anti-corruption practices and procedures. Maritime corruption would also be considered under point 7 of the terms of reference of the correspondence group on the review of the annex of the FAL convention.

Work programme

The Committee agreed to include three new outputs on the post-biennial the agenda:

1. Analysis of possible means of auditing compliance with the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic; and
2. Development of guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of wildlife on ships engaged in international mari-time traffic; and
3. Development of guidelines for harmonized communication and electronic exchange of operational data for port calls.

COVID-19

The Committee agreed to consider new documents related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the facilitation of maritime traffic sub-mitted under agenda item 20 (Any other business). The committee dis-cussed some preliminary suggestions for possible amendments to the annex of the FAL Convention to ensure the facilitation of maritime traf-fic during a public health emergency of international concern submitted by ICS et al. It was agreed to forward these to the Correspondence Group on review and update of the Annex to the FAL Convention for further consideration.

The Committee reiterated its strong endorsement of resolution MSC.473(ES.2) on recommended action to facilitate ship crew change, access to medical care and seafarer travel during the COVID-19 pan-demic. The Committee agreed not to approve a separate FAL circular on the matter, as otherwise suggested, to avoid unintended overlapping with the MSC resolution, and decided to bring the discussion on this matter to the attention of MSC.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

The Committee unanimously re-elected Mrs. Marina Angsell (Sweden) as Chair and Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman (Nigeria) as Vice-Chair, both for 2021.

Key items from the extraordinary session for all committees (MSC, LEG, MEPC, TC, FAL) (ALCOM/ES)

Waiver of the rules of procedure

The main purpose of the ALCOM/ES was to enable the holding of virtual meetings in IMO’s committees during 2020.

All committees decided to waive a number of procedural rules in order to make it possible to hold remote sessions in the respective committees.

The Committees also agreed that their respective rules of procedure and organization and method of work would continue to be applicable and should only be waived when necessary.

Interim guidance to facilitate remote sessions of the committees during the COVID-19 pandemic

All committees approved MSC-LEG-MEPC-TCC-FAL.1/Circ.1 on Interim guidance to facilitate remote sessions of the Committees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the interim guidance is to facilitate and standardize the conduct of remote sessions in view of exceptional circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidance is intended for temporary use during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be kept under review as necessary.

Crew change and other seafarer-related challenges resulting from the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted a resolution on “Recommended action to facilitate ship crew change, access to medical care and seafarer travel during the COVID-19 pandemic”. The resolution urges specific action to address the issue, including designating seafarers as key workers with access to the necessary safe travel arrangements.

Read more on the resolution here

Key items at the 7th meeting of IMO Sub-Committee on Ships Systems and Equipment

The 7. Meeting in the IMO Sub-Committee on Ships Systems and Equipment was held in the IMO headquarters in London from 2. to 6. March 2020. The official report will be available on the IMO homepage.

http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/Default.aspx

New requirements for ventilation of survival craft

At this meeting, the Sub-Committee  prepared draft  amendments  for the  LSA Code and MSC.81(70) on requirements for liferafts and partially enclosed lifeboats, ensuring sufficient  ventilation  and preventing exposure to long-term CO2 to any  persons  within  the  survival  crafts.  These  amendments are expected to enter into force 1. January 2024. Additionally draft amendments for the testing of ventilation systems for survival crafts were prepared but not finalized, and will be included into an intersessional correspondence group and submitted  to  the  next  meeting  of this  Sub-Committee in 2021.

Requirements for onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches

The Sub-committee finalized the new draft regulation to SOLAS chapter II-1/3-13 as well as draft MSC circular on Guidelines for Lifting Appliances. As the draft Guidelines for  anchor  handling winches was not finalized at this  session,  the  work  will  continue  intersessional  with  an aim  to finalize at the next SSE meeting in 2021. The New SOLAS amendments and Guideline for Lifting appliances will be sent to MSC 103 for approval and expected to enter into force 1 January 2024

Review of SOLAS ch. II-2 and associated codes regarding fires on RO-RO spaces and special category spaces

The  Sub-Committee was unable to make significant progress for the proposed amendments to SOLAS Ch. II-2 and relevant instruments on Key items such as restriction or banning of openings, fire monitors on weather decks, safe distance  between  LSA equipment  and openings,  combined  heat and smoke detection and Fire detection systems for weather decks. As a result, it was decided, to concentrate on items that would only affect new RO-RO passenger ships. The Sub-Committee noted several items that needed further consideration by the Correspondence  Group  for  both new and existing Ro-Ro passenger. The Correspondence group will report to SSE 8 in 2021.

Revised Guidelines for the design and approval of fixed water based fire-fighting systems for ro-ro spaces and special category spaces

Draft amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1430/rev.1 were prepared for submission to MSC 103 for approval. The draft amendments include new allowed maximum of height of deck, extending the existing maximum of height from 9.0 to 10.0 meters.

Revision of the guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed CO₂ systems

A draft MSC circular was prepared for approval at MSC 103, regarding the periodical  tests, replacement and maintenance of equipment related to the CO2 system. The revision has resulted in a period of time, not exceeding  20 years  where  all  CO2 cylinders should be tested and flexible hoses not exceeding an operation time above 10 years.

Draft amendments to MSC1/Circ.1315 “Guidelines for the Approval of fixed dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems for the protection of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk”

The amendments were discussed, but the sub-committee decided that more research was needed regarding the caking characteristics, before the  exclusion  of Sodium  Bicarbonate  as a fire  medium, can be deleted. It is expected to be on the agenda for SSE 8 in 2021.

Contact details in the Danish Maritime Authority

• Søren Baumann Rasmussen – sbr@dma.dk
• Anders Viborg Kristensen – avk@dma.dk
• Therese Bornemann Christensen – tbc@dma.dk

Minutes of the seventh meeting of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue (NCSR 7), held 15–24 January 2020 in London

Routeing measures and mandatory ship reporting systems

The Sub-Committee considered and approved the following proposals:

• Amendment to the two-way route in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, in Far North Queensland, Australia, intended to serve also as an associated protective measure for the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres
  
• Harmonization and consolidation of three existing  ships'  routeing  systems in  Norway ("Off the  western coast of Norway", "Off the coast of southern Norway" and "Off the coast of Norway from Vardø to Røst"), each with traffic separation schemes (TSS) and recommended routes, aiming to optimize the effect of the routeing systems and apply them to the same categories of
• Amendment to the existing TSS "Slupska Bank" in order to reduce the danger of groundings in the area of shallows detected further east of the existing TSS in and outside the Polish territorial seas, in the  southern part of the Baltic
• Amendment to the conditions of use for the two-way route in the TSS "Off Ushant" in order to remove ambiguities and take into account technological
• Noted information provided by Brazil on the development of a  proposal for  the establishment of an area to be avoided off the Brazilian southeast coast and on the environmental impact assessment of an oil spill caused by a simulated  collision  between a merchant ship  and a floating production  storage and offloading unit at the Santos Basin. Brazil is expected to submit a proposal for the said area to be avoided for NSCR 8.

During the meeting, the Danish delegation took the opportunity to promote the new routeing  measures in  Kattegat and Skagerrak, which will be implemented 1 July 2020, and an information folder on the routeing measures was distributed to the participating countries and organisations.

Revision of chapters III and IV  of the International  Convention   for  the Safety  of Life at Sea (SOLAS) for modernization of the GMDSS and the development of GMDSS satellite services

The Sub-Committee is continuing its work on revising SOLAS chapters III and IV, this year focusing on the consequential amendments to other existing IMO documents and minor corrections and footnotes to the SOLAS chapters.

The finalized draft revision of following circulars where made:

• MSC/Circ.1039 on Guidelines for shore-based maintenance of satellite EPIRBs
• 1/Circ.1040/Rev.1 on Guidelines on annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs

Terms of reference where made for the 16^th meeting of the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group on Maritime Radio communication Matters where many issues where agreed on putting  forward e.g. Electromagnetic  interference effect of light-emitting diode  lighting  systems and many resolutions  e.g. MSC.163(78)  on Performance standards for shipborne simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDRs)

The draft amendments to SOLAS chapters III and IV and related and consequential amendments is planned to continue at NSCR 8 for approval by MSC 104 in 2021 and adoption by MSC 105 in 2022.

Revision of Resolution A.949(23) of the guidelines on Places of Refuge  for  ships  in need of assistance

The Sub-Committee  considered and endorsed the establishment  of  a correspondence group,  under  the  coordination of the United Kingdom, together with its Terms of  Reference as prepared by the Navigation  Work Group  (NAV WG), to continue the work on the revision of resolution  A.949(23)  intersessional and report to NSCR 8. In addition, the NAV WG prepared a work plan for the revision of  resolution  A.949(23),  including  the involvement of  MEPC and LEG, with an indicative approval by the Assembly in 2023.

Revision of Resolution A.857(20) of the Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Service

The Sub-Committee reviewed the prepared draft revision – and after discussions concluded to uphold a slightly rephrased section 4.4 on establishment of voluntary VTS beyond Territorial Seas. The Sub-Committee  considered and approved the revised drafted Assembly resolution on Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services prepared by the NAV WG, for subsequent approval by the (MSC) Committee and adoption by the Assembly.

Safety measures for non-solas ships operating in polar waters

Recalling overwhelming support during deliberations in plenary, to the importance to enhance safety of  non-SOLAS ships in polar waters, and noting the need to progress the work intersessional, the Sub-Committee recommended the establishment of a correspondence group, under  the coordination  of  New Zealand, and prepared terms of  reference for this group (with an intent to report to NSCR 8). The Sub-Committee subsequently approved these.

Regional navigation satellite system

The Sub-committee agreed with the draft SN circular on Recognition of the Indian Regional Navigation  Satellite System (IRNSS) as a component of the worldwide radio navigation system (WWRNS), and forwarded it to the Committee for approval and also approved the draft MSC resolution for the Japanese Quasi-Zenith satellite system performance standards for shipborne receiver equipment, for adoption by MSC 102 in May 2020.

Key items from 31st session of the IMO Assembly

The IMO Assembly held its 31st session on 25 November to 4 December 2019 at its headquarters in London, chaired by Mrs. Nomatemba Tambo (South Africa).

The following key issues discussed at the meeting.

Budget for the biennium 2020-2021

The Assembly approved the budget for the biennium 2020-2021 and the related draft Assembly resolution. The budget means that the total financial contribution for member states is GBP 33, 4 million in 2020 and 36, 5 million in 2021.

IMO Council reform

The Assembly endorsed the recommendation  of the  IMO Council  to extend the size  of the  Council to four years, expand the size of the Council to 52 Members  and  allocate  12 seats to categories (a) and (b) each and 28 seats to category (c). The recommendations require amendments to the IMO Convention, which will be prepared for IMO Assembly 32 in 2021.

Moreover, the Assembly adopted an Assembly resolution  on Ethical  considerations  and guidelines for conduct of IMO Council  election  campaigns. The  Assembly  also  adopted a resolution concerning revised rules and guidelines for consultative status of non-governmental international organizations with the IMO.

Adopted Assembly resolutions related to maritime safety

The following resolutions were adopted by the Assembly:

• Interim safety measures for ships not certified under the SOLAS convention operating in polar waters

Due to some invalid reference in  the  resolution  the  adoption  of amendments  to the  Use and  fitting of retro-reflective materials on life-saving appliances (resolution  A.658 (16)) was referred  to MSC 102 for consideration.

Adopted Assembly resolutions related to both maritime safety and marine environment protection

The following resolutions were adopted by the Assembly:

• Procedures for port State control, 2019
• Guidance on communication of information by Member States
• Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2019
• 2019 Non-exhaustive list of obligations under instruments relevant to the IMO instruments Implementation Code (III Code)

IMO observer status with the Arctic Council

The Assembly endorsed the decision of the IMO Council  concerning  IMO’s observer  status  with the Arctic Council. The Arctic Council approved the IMO as observer in May 2019.

Election of Members of the Council

The following Member states were elected to the IMO Council:

Group A (States with largest interest in providing international shipping services)

There were 10 candidates for 10 seats. All candidates reach the minimum required number of votes: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama,  Republic  of Korea, Russian  Federation,  United Kingdom, United States.

Group B (States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade)

There were 11 candidates for 10 seats. The following were elected: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

Group C (States with special interests in maritime transport or navigation)

There were 24 candidates for 20 seats.  The  following  were elected:  Bahamas,  Belgium,  Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta,  Mexico,  Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

Approval of the appointment of the Secretary-General

The Assembly approved the renewal of Mr. Kitack Lim as Secretary-General of the IMO for the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023.

Key items from the 123rd session of the IMO Council

The 123rd session constituted the newly elected Council.

Mr. Xiaojie Zhang (China) was re-elected as Chair of the Council by acclamation. Mr. Edmundo Deville del Campo (Peru) was also re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Council by acclamation.

Key items from 30th extraordinary session of the IMO Council

The IMO’s executive organ, the IMO Council, held its 30th extraordinary session on  21-  22 November 2019 at its headquarters in London, chaired by Mr. Xiaojie Zhang from China.

The following key issues discussed at the meeting:

IMO Council reform

The Council adopted a new set of terms and conditions of media attendance at meeting at IMO Assembly, Council, committees and their subsidaritet bodies.

The new iterms and conditions is related to the work on reforming the IMO Council, which has been undertaken since 2018. At Council 122 the Council agreed to open for media attendance during IMO meetings.

Budget for the biennium 2020-2021

The Council approved the updated budget for the biennium 2020-2021 and the draft Assembly resolution on the result-based budget. The budget was approved in principle at IMO Council 122. The budget will need a final approval by the IMO Assembly.

Requests to observe IMO meetings from non-IMO members

The Council approved observer status to the Federal States of Micronesia and to the Holy See to respectively the 107th session of the Legal Committee and the 31st session of the Assembly.

Key items at CCC 6 Sub-Committee, 9-13 September 2019

The 5th meeting of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) was held in London from 9. September to 13 September.

The official IMO report from this meeting will be made available at the IMO webpage http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/Default.aspx

Amongst the many topics for the Sub-Committee, the following three issues can be highlighted:

Amendments to the IGF Code and developmet of guidelines for low-flashpoint fuels

The Sub-committee finalised the Interim guidelines on the use of methyl/ethyl alcohol as a fuel. The interim guidelines were forwarded to MSC 102 for approval. The Sub-committee further discussed the draft interim guidelines for the safety of ships using fuel cell power system, these guidelines were not finalised at this meeting and further work will be carried out intersessional within a correspondence group with a view to finalization at CCC 7 next year.

Finally, the Sub-committee agreed on a work plan for including low-flashpoint oil fuels (Oil Fuels with a flash point between 52°C and 60°C) and LPG in the IGF Code. This plan includes the meetings up to CCC 10 in 2023.

Amendments to the IMSBC Code and supplements

As a follow up on previous discussion on liquefaction of bulk cargoes Group A, proposals for amending the definition of Group A in the IMSBC code were discussed. The upcoming Editorial and Technical (E&T) meeting will continue the work and will draft a new definition to be discussed at CCC 7.

Two new cargo schedules for Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer were discussed and it was decided to prepare schedules for respectively Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer MHB (OH) and Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer (unclassified) Drafts will be discussed at the 33^rd E&T and forwarded to CCC 7 for further considerations. The next edition of the IMSBC Code (MSC 462(101)) will be mandatory from 1. January 2021, and can be applied on a voluntary basis from 1. January 2020.

Ongoing development of the IMDG Code

A safety issue discussed at CCC 6 was the classification and transportation of Charcoal and non- declarations and mis-declaration of dangerous goods in accordance with the IMDG Code. There have been several container fires, where commodities of charcoal have shown to be the problem. Presently the special provisions (SP) in the IMDG Code allow transportation of Charcoal as non- dangerous goods. At the meeting it was decided to establish a correspondence group with the aim to review the SP´s within the IMDG Code, and identify the rational for the inclusion of the identified SP’s. The report from the Correspondance Group will include considerations and actions to be addressed in the next CCC meeting (2020)

Next meeting of the CCC sub-committee will be from 14. - 18. September 2020.

Key items from 122nd session of the IMO Council

The IMO’s executive organ, the IMO Council, held its 122nd session on 15-19 July 2019 at its headquarters in London, chaired by Mr. Xiaojie Zhang from China.

The following key issues discussed at the meeting:

IMO Council reform

In conjunction with the Council meeting a working group open to all Member States and observers continued the ongoing discussion of a number of issues on reform of the IMO with special attention to the election to and composition of the Council itself.

The working group and subsequently the Council provisionally agreed to increase the number of Council seats from 40 up to a maximum of 52 members as well lengthening the election cycle from every second to every fourth year. Discussions on the composition of the Council was also held including on how to better ensure a balanced representation of various Member State interests including geographical areas. These discussions were not concluded at this point in time and progress will now be reported to the IMO Assembly in end of 2019 along with the issues provisionally agreed for further guidance.

In addition, the Council agreed on a proposal for guidelines to cover the conduct of Council election campaigns including how to limit the extent of receptions and gifts. Finally, the Council agreed to recommend a number of amendments to the rules og guidelines covering access of NGOs to gain consultative status with the IMO with a view to enhance the possibilities of new NGOs gaining access to the dicussions in the IMO whilst also ensuring that all existing NGOs participates actively in the work of IMO. Both issues have now been forwarded to the IMO Assembly for adoption.

Budget for the biennium 2020-2021

The Council approved in principle the proposed budget for the biennium 2020-2021. The budget will need a final approval by IMO Assembly.

IMO Audit Scheme

The Council endorsed in principle to further develop the IMO Audit Scheme. It is proposed to implement a more continuous monitoring and risk-based approach in the Audit Scheme, although there was a general agreement to further discuss the issue to alleviate concerns of some Member States. To this end, a joint working group will be established at Council 124 in 2020.

Council statement concerning the maritime security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman

The Council endorsed a statement concerning heightened maritime security measures for ships operating in the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman. The Council statement condems the attacks in May and June in the Strait of Hormuz and contains a call to flag states, shipowners and operators to evaluate and implement appropriate security measures for ships operating in those areas.

The next Council meeting will be held on 21-22 November 2019.

Key items at MSC 101, 5-14 June 2019

The 101st session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) took place on 5-14 June 2019 in London, presided over by Bradley Groves (Australia) as Chair and Juan Carlos Cubisino (Argentina) as Vice-Chair. Below is a summary of the key outcomes of the session.

Formal adoptions

MSC formally adopted a number of mandatory IMO instruments with following dates of entry
into force:

1 January 2021:

• Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)
• Amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code)
• Amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code)

1 January 2024:

• Amendments to the appendix to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended
• Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code)
• Amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Lowflashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)
• Amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliances Code (LSA Code)

Furthermore, the Committee also adopted the following non-binding instruments:

• Amendments to the SPS Code (update the Record of Equipment for the SPS Safety Certificate) from 1 January 2020
• Amendments to the BCH Code and related amendments to the IBC Code from 1 January 2021

Safe Mooring

With only minor amendments, the Committee approved the complete work-package on safe mooring, which had been prepared by of the SDC sub-committee. The work on safe mooring entails an amended SOLAS regulation and accompanying guidelines intended to improve the current situation, where accidents and unsafe work situations frequently appear during mooring operations.

This work has originally been initiated by Denmark who have also coordinated much of the technical preparatory work in the IMO. The work package will now be circulated to the Member States with a view for adoption at the next Committee meeting in May 2020.

Fuel oil safety

In continuation of the discussions of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) on the implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit by 1 January 2020, MSC at its previous meeting had agreed to add a new work item to the MSC’s work programme on development of further measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil.

At this meeting a MSC resolution on recommendations on interim measures to enhance the safety of the use of oil fuel was developed. This resolution recommends voluntary reporting of confirmed cases where oil fuel fails to meet the flash point requirement set out in SOLAS regulation II-2/4.2.1 as well as encourages the widest possible application of the latest edition of relevant industry standards and guidance to enhance the safety of ships related to supply and use of oil fuel.

MSC furthermore developed a work plan for the further work on this item. The plan includes a number of issues which should be further considered together with issue with the flash point, such as fuel oil quality, stability, compatibility, acid number, cat fines etc. The work plan covers the next three committee meetings (MSC 102-104 in 2020 and 2021) and parts of the work will be initiated in a Correspondence Group, which will report back to the next meeting of the Committee in May 2020 (MSC 102).

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)

The Committee noted the progress of the Regulatory Scoping Exercise, which is a process for analyzing how the current IMO regulatory framework may be affected by the development of autonomous ships. This analysis is to be further developed by a dedicated Intersessional Working Group on MASS in September 2019, and the Committee thus approved terms of reference for this meeting.

In addition, a MSC Circular containing Interim Guidelines for MASS Trials, was approved by the Committee. The Guidelines provide minimum perspective guidelines for safe, efficient and transparent trials of MASS to assist authorities, industry and other parties involved in trials of MASS.

Non-SOLAS ships in the Arctic

The Committee once again considered the possibilities to adapt the Polar Code as a whole or in parts to fishing vessels, small cargo ships and pleasure yachts. While taking into account that no legal framework seemed to be directly usable to regulate these ships, the NCSR Subcommittee were tasked to consider the consequences and feasibility of whether SOLAS or the Polar Code may be a starting point for improving safety of those ships when operating in the Polar-regions.

In addition, the Committee also agreed on a draft resolution to be adopted by the IMO Assembly in November or December 2010 on voluntary, interim safety measures for nonSOLAS ships operating in polar waters.

New work outputs

Amongst the new work outputs to be initiated by the Committee, MSC 101 agreed amongst other issues on the following new outputs to be considered at future sessions:

• Review of the LSA Code to address the in-water performance of SOLAS lifejackets
• Development of design and prototype test requirements for operational testing of freefall lifeboat release systems.
• Review of existing mandatory requirements for watertight doors on cargo ships in SOLAS, MARPOL and other relevant IMO instruments.

Danish presentation on cybersecurity

In connection to the meeting, Denmark hosted a presentation on Cybersecurity in the maritime sector with a representative from Maersk providing the Committee with their experiences of the 2017 cyberattack.

Elections

The Chair as well as the Vice-Chair was both re-elected by the Committee for the year 2020.

The next session of the Committee, MSC 102, will be held in May 2020.

Key items at MEPC 74, 13-17 May 2019

The 74th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 74) took place on 13-17 May 2019 in London, presided over by Hideaki Saito (Japan) as chair and Harry Conway (Liberia) as vice-chair.

Below is a summary of the key outcomes of the session.

Formal adoptions

MEPC formally adopted a number of mandatory IMO instruments with following dates of entry into force:

• 1 October 2020: Amendments to MARPOL Annexes I, II and V (Electronic Record Books)
• 1 January 2021: Amendments to MARPOL Annex II (Cargo residues and tank washings of persistent floating products)
• 1 October 2020: Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Electronic Record Books and EEDI Regulations for ice-strengthened ships)
• 1 October 2020: Amendments to the NOX Technical Code 2008 (Electronic Record Books and Certification requirements for SCR systems)
• 1 January 2021: Amendments to the IBC Code (Amendments to Chapters 1, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21)
• 1 January 2021: Amendments to the BCH Code (Special, operational and minimum requirements)

Implementation of the new sulphur rules

Being the last meeting before the entry into force of the global limit of 0.50% sulphur which will come into effect on 1 January 2020, MEPC 74 completed a number of IMO guidelines and circulars aiming at a uniform implementation of the new rules. Topics included fuel oil quality, best practice for Member States, Port State Control, a template for a "Fuel Oil NonAvailability Report” (FONAR) and precautions in case of scrubber malfunctions.

Furthermore, the Committee approved a number of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI concerning definitions of fuel oil samples (’in-use sample’ of used fuel; ’on-board sample’ of fuel in other tanks; ’MARPOL sample’ taken when bunkering). The amendments are expected to be adopted at the next session of the Committee in April 2020 (MEPC 75).

Exhaust gas cleaning systems/”scrubbers”

The Committee adopted a new working item to examine the effects of wash water from scrubbers with a view to possible common rules for their discharge in coastal areas based on a proposal from the European Member States. This work will now be carried forward in the PPR sub-committee.

Reduction of GHG emissions

The Committee decided to launch the work on the 4th IMO GHG study on the basis of a number of guiding principles, including on the establishment of a Steering Committee to monitor the study. An MEPC resolution calling for enhanced cooperation between ports and ships in order to help reducing emissions, e.g. through more efficient port calls, was also approved.

After long negotiations, the Committee adopted a procedure for assessing the impact on states, with particular focus on the least developed countries, in conjunction with the development of specific proposals for measures; this is an essential prerequisite for future decisions on concrete reduction measures in IMO. Last but not least, MEPC began its considerations of specific regulatory proposals which included measures on energy efficiency and improvement of operational measures. In order to continue the work at technical level, two inter-sessional working group meetings are expected to be held in end-2019 and the first half of 2020 respectively before the next committee meeting in April 2020.

Energy efficiency

MEPC 74 discussed the possibilities for strengthening the so-called Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) which gradually increases the energy efficiency requirements for new ships depending on their year of construction and so far in three phases. The outcome was a decision by MEPC to advance the entry into force of phase 3 from 2025 to 2022 and maintain the energy efficiency requirement of 30 per cent for LNG tankers, cruise ships and large gas carriers. EEDI phase 3 was also advanced to 2022 for container ships for which it was also decided to establish a gradual energy efficiency requirement based on the tonnage segments meaning that small container ships shall meet an energy efficiency requirement of 30 per cent and with rising requirements so that the largest container ships shall meet a requirement of 50 per cent.

The Committee furthermore decided to require that the EEDI value (calculated when a ship is built) always shall be reported to the IMO's EEDI database. This will apply to all ships built since the EEDI rules came into force in 2013 and so far this reporting has been voluntary.

Finally, it was decided to set up a Correspondence Group to look into the possibility of establishing a new EEDI phase 4. This group will work intersessionally and shall report back to MEPC 75 and 76 in 2020.

Marine plastic litter

The work developing an IMO action plan for plastic litter from ships continued in a working group, but it was decided that a strategy must be prepared in an intersessional Correspondence Group to be led by Singapore.

The Committee drafted Terms of Reference for the previously agreed IMO Study on marine plastic litter from ships. Danish proposals regarding this study, and in particular the attention to micro plastics, was included in the Terms of Reference. It was emphasized several times that the study shall deal exclusively with plastic litter from ships and other marine-based sources and not from land-based sources, while it was agreed that as IMO's work shall be conducted in close coordination with the related activities e.g. in GESAMP (UN Consultative

Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection) and in FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization).

Finally, MEPC 74 decided to categorize the possible IMO measures presented at MEPC 73 as short-, mid- and longterm measures respectively along with an "ongoing" category.

Ballast water management

MEPC 74 approved a minor amendment to the ships' Ballast Water Management Certificate so that it can be demonstrated that a ship fulfills the conditions of the Ballast Water Convention by an alternative approach other than that mentioned in the current Regulations D-1, D-2 or D-4. This amendment is expected to be adopted by MEPC 75 in 2020.

The Committee also discussed the commissioning testing of newly installed ballast water management systems. This is done by an indicative test which is why Denmark proposed that a certification standard is developed for the existing indicative methods. Based on broad support for this proposal, the Committee invited more concrete proposals for the development of a certification method with a view to further work on this by the PPR sub-committee.

Finally a number of proposals for exemptions for ballast water treatment on specific ships types such as salvage vessels and tugboats and a proposal to designate ports with land-based treatment plants as "Ports with acceptable risks" was discussed by the committee but without sufficient support at this point in time.

Elections

The Chair as well as the Vice-Chair was both re-elected by the Committee for the year 2020.

The next session of the Committee, MEPC 75, will be held in April 2020.

Sixth meeting of the IMO sub-committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 6), held 18-22 February 2019 in London

Implementation and enforcement of the global 0.50 per cent sulphur limit

The sub-committee established a working group which continued the work on the implementation of the Sulphur regulation entering into force 1 January 2020. This work was based on the progress achieved during an intersessional working group held in July last year.

From the intersessional meeting the outstanding issues were:

• Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI and appendix VI
• Guidelines for consistent implementation of the 0.50% Sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI including the format of the Fuel oil non-availability Report (FONAR) and safety concerns
• 2019 Guidelines for on board sampling for the verification of the Sulphur content of the fuel oil used on board ships, as amended
• Sampling points
• Port State Control procedures.

During the week the working group finished the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI arising from the adoption of the carriage ban on fuel oil decided at Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 73), including changes to Appendix VI of MARPOL Annex VI ‘Fuel verification procedure for MARPOL Annex VI fuel oil samples’. After discussions at length, this was agreed by the Sub-Committee.

Further, the Sub-Committee agreed on the 2019 Guidelines for consistent implementation of the 0.50% Sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI, including the format for the Fuel Oil Non-Availability Report and the draft MEPC circular ‘2019 Guidelines for on board sampling for the verification of the Sulphur content of the fuel oil used on board ships’.

The Sub-Committee furthermore agreed that Guidelines for onboard sampling for the verification of the fuel oil carried on board should be developed in order to enforce the ban to carry high sulphur fuel oil for used in ships as well as a joint MSC-MEPC circular addressing the delivery of compliant fuel oil by suppliers were also agreed upon.

The Sub-Committee finally agreed in principle on draft guidance for Port State Control on contingency measures for addressing non-compliant fuel oil and made concrete proposals on the issues related to regulation 18 of MARPOL Annex VI, although this will require further discussions at MEPC 74 in May. All abovementioned documents have now been forwarded to MEPC 74 in May 2019 for approval.

Heavy Fuel Oil in the Arctic

A working group on HFO in Arctic waters was established to develop a definition of HFO, and finalize a methodology for analysing impacts of a ban on HFO, based on previous submitted documents on impact assessment methodologies. Denmark presented a report “Impact assessment on a ban on heavy fuel oil use in Greenland”, which had been commissioned by Greenland in response to the work in the Arctic Council and IMO on HFO. The impact assessment is an analysis of the socioeconomic implications of a ban on the use of HFO for marine propulsion in the Greenland.

Based on the working group’s efforts, the Sub-Committee finalized the definition of HFO and a methodology for an impact assessment. Furthermore, it was determined that the preferred instrument for a possible ban would be MARPOL Annex I. Developing a ban on HFO for the Arctic will be discussed further at PPR 7 in 2020 since the methodologies were only just developed at his meeting and due to time constraint in the working group which did not allow for the development of an impact assessment at this session. Interested parties will be invited to submit new impact assessments to PPR 7.

Finally, another working group was requested to develop draft Guidelines on mitigation of risks of use and carriage of HFO as fuel by ships in Arctic waters. Since this work could not be finalized this week, the SubCommittee decided to establish a Correspondence Group to consider the matter until PPR 7.

Black Carbon emissions in the Arctic

The sub-committee considered the work carried out intersessionally since the last PPR meeting on the impact of Black Carbon (soot) emissions from international shipping. It was agreed that the investigation of appropriate control measures as requested by the MEPC was now completed and could be forwarded to MEPC for consideration at committee level. The sub-committee furthermore agreed to advice the MEPC that further work may be required before any of the recommended Black Carbon measurement methods could be used to regulate or otherwise directly control Black Carbon emissions.

Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

Due to time constraints, the sub-committee was not able to consider all outstanding issues regarding the ongoing revision of the 2015 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS). Thus, the sub-committee agreed to recommend the MEPC to extend this work into 2020 which would allow PPR at its next session in 2020 to consider this again.

However, the subcommittee also agreed that revising the part of the guidelines concerning malfunctions of EGCS was an urgent issue and therefore forwarded a draft interim guidance on this specific topic to MEPC for adoption in May this year.

Ballast water

A Danish proposal for developing a standard for verification of methods for indicative ballast water monitoring systems was widely welcomed. Such methods provide an estimate of the viable organisms in ballast water samples much faster than laboratory based analysis methods used for evaluation of Ballast Water Management Systems. However, since the work on guidance on methodologies was originally anticipated to end by 2019, this issue would need to be considered again by MEPC in order for this work to be sent forward to the next PPR meeting in 2020.

AFS Convention – ban on Cybutryne in ships’ anti-fouling bottom paint

Based on a review of a proposal submitted by the EU countries to amend Annex 1 to the AFS Convention (Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships) to include controls on the substance Cybutryne, the sub-committee agreed to recommend MEPC to adopt the suggested amendments to the Convention. This is expected to happen at MEPC 74 in May 2019.

Election of new chairpersons

The previous vice-chair, Flavio da Costa Fernandes from the delegation of Brazil, was elected as the new chair of the sub-committee while Anita Mäkinen from the delegation of Finland was elected as the new vicechair.

Minutes of the sixth meeting of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue (NCSR 6), held 16–25 February 2019 in London

Routeing measures and mandatory ship reporting systems:

The Sub-Committee considered and approved the following proposals:

• Draft MSC circular on procedure for the submission of documents containing proposals for the establishment of, or amendment to, ships' routeing systems or ship reporting systems.
• Consequential amendments arising from the termination of the existing voluntary ship reporting system MAREP in the English Channel and Dover Strait, to be implemented six months after its adoption by the Committee.
• Revocation of SN/Circ.232 on Traffic separation scheme off Ushant, associated inshore traffic zone, and Passage de Fromveur, Chenal du Four, Chenal de la Helle and Raz de Sein, with immediate effect.
• Establishment of a new traffic separation scheme and associated routeing measures in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, to be implemented one year after their adoption by the Committee.
• Establishment of a new traffic separation scheme and associated routeing measures in Lombok Strait, Indonesia, to be implemented one year after their adoption by the Committee.

Guidelines on Standardized modes of Operation (S-mode) for all navigation equipment and the guidelines on definition and harmonization of the format and structure of Maritime Service Portfolios (MSP)

Concerning the work on S-mode the Sub-Committee finalized the draft MSC circular on “Guidelines for det standardization of user interface design for navigation equipment” and considered consequential amendments required on below:

• MSC.191(79), guidelines in SN.1/Circ.243/Rev.1 on “Performance standards for the presentation of navigation-related information on shipborne navigational displays”
• SN.1/Circ.243/Rev.2 on “guidelines for the presentation of navigational-related symbols, terms and abbreviations”

The Sub-Committee also finalized the draft MSC resolutions “Initial descriptions of maritime services in context of e-navigation,” and “Guidance on the definition and “harmonization of the format and structure of Maritime Services in the context of e-navigation” regarding defining and harmonizing the format of MSP.

All the above will go to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) 101 in June 2019 for approval.

Revision of chapters III and IV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) for modernization of the GMDSS and the development of GMDSS satellite services

The Sub-Committee is continuing its work on revising SOLAS chapters III and IV including consequential amendments to other existing IMO documents incl. relevant SOLAS certificates. The modernization is dealing with satellite services, technologies, information, carriage requirements and redefinition of Sea Area 3. This work will continue in a Correspondence Group in 2019 especially the consequential amendments to other existing IMO documents, which will report to NCSR 7. The modernization is supposed to enter into force 2024.

Resolution MSC 451(99) “statement of recognition of maritime mobile satellite services provided by Iridium Satellite LLC” was adopted by MSC 99 and discussion concerning how the additional providers will affect e.g. Search and Rescue messages and Maritime Safety Information. This is also with the consideration that China has applied for the recognition of the Beidou satellite system.

The Polar Code

The Sub-Committee finalized the work on the draft MSC circular guidance for navigation and communication equipment intended for the use on ships operating in polar waters. This guidance includes recommendations of general requirements and performance standards for navigation and communication equipment. The draft guidance will go to MSC 101 in June 2019 for approval.

Revision of performance standards for EPIRBs and amendments to the IAMSAR manual

The Sub-Committee completed the draft of resolution A. 810(19) for emergency transmitters (EPIRBs) to include changes in the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme and second-generation beacons. The amendments will go to MSC 101 for approval and adoption. The next edition of the IAMSAR manual will be published in 2019 and remain in effect until 2022.

Key items at MSC 100, 3-7 December 2018

The 100th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) took place on 3-7 December 2018 in London, presided over by Brad Groves (Australia) as chair and Juan Carlos Cubisino (Argentina) as vicechair. Below is a summary of the key outcomes of the session.

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)

The Committee set the framework for the IMO’s analytical work concerning autonomous ships. The aim is to determine how to address autonomous ships in a safe and sustainable way in IMO instruments, which will be done by conducting an analysis of where the existing instruments will be affected by autonomous ship technology. It was further decided to develop an IT tool to facilitate the analysis process, and a number of Member States volunteered to perform each their part of the analysis of instruments. Moreover, provisional principles were agreed for the development of guidelines on MASS trials, and a more specific proposal for such principles will be prepared for the next session of the Committee in June 2019.

Conditions for non-SOLAS ships operating in polar waters

In continuation of the resolutions made at MSC 99, MSC 100 examined the basis for additional safety measures in relation to safety of navigation and voyage planning for fishing vessels and for small cargo ships comprised by SOLAS chapter V. MSC 100 did not reach agreement on this point and discussions will continue at the next MSC session (MSC 101).

Safety issues relating to the use of low-sulphur fuel oil

In continuation of the discussions of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) on the implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit as at 1 January 2020, MSC 100 discussed various safety issues associated with ships’ use of new types of low-sulphur fuel oil. The issues were based on previous discussions of fuel quality by the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR).

Recognising that the issue of fuel oil was not new, but rather further elaborated on, it was generally agreed that there was no basis for reconsidering the new limits from 2020. Similarly, it was agreed to keep the existing division of work between the MEPC and the MSC. Consequently, there was no support for transferring the provisions of the MARPOL Convention on fuel oil quality under the MEPC to the SOLAS Convention under the MSC. Instead, it was agreed to add a new item to the MSC’s work programme to consider initiatives to promote the safe use of fuel oil mixtures. It was also agreed to prepare a joint MSCMEPC circular on relevant measures to be complied with by fuel suppliers. Lastly, the Committee agreed to ensure the possibility of more detailed reporting of safety issues to the IMO’s GISIS database.

Proposals for possible certification of fuel suppliers were referred to the MEPC.

Based on the new item on the MSC’s work programme, concrete proposals for the next MSC session (MSC 101) may be submitted with a view to further initiatives towards the safe use of new fuel oil mixtures.

Situation in Ukraine and the Kerch Strait

Prompted by recent events involving Ukraine and Russia in the Kerch Strait (connecting the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea), the Committee discussed the situation. During the discussion, which had clear allusions to security policy, the Committee resolved to note the opinion of Ukraine and Russia, respectively. A number of Member States, including the EU Member States, reiterated their non-recognition policy regarding Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and requested all parties to de-escalate the situation.

Amendments adopted

At the session, the MSC adopted amendments to the ESP Code (IMO International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers) and the SPS Code (Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships). The latter amendments incorporate MSC circular MSC/Circ.739, and MSC resolution MSC.183(79) furthermore takes into account the revision of SOLAS chapter IV with respect to satellite services providers.

Key items at MEPC 73, 22-26 October 2018

The 73rd session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 73) took place on 22-26 October 2018 in London, presided over by Hideaki Saito (Japan) as chair and Harry Conway (Liberia) as vice-chair.

Below is a summary of the key outcomes of the session.

Implementation of the new sulphur rules

MEPC 73 adopted an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI, thereby prohibiting, as of 1 March 2020, the carriage of fuel oil with a sulphur content exceeding 0.50% on board a ship, unless the ship is fitted with a scrubber or equivalent cleaning technology. The amendment is an important element of the efforts to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the 0.50% sulphur limit, which will come into effect on 1 January 2020. The new sulphur rules will be applicable globally with the exception of the existing regional sulphur emission control areas (SECAs).

A proposal for a “pragmatic approach” to enforcement of the 0.50% sulphur limit for a period after the entry into force on 1 January 2020 was rejected by the Committee. A pragmatic approach would create uncertainty in the industry as to when the rules would be enforced and could potentially delay the environmental benefits of the regulation.

Furthermore, a number of countries had proposed the introduction of an experience-building phase (EBP) after 1 January 2020 to enable ships to gain experience with the new types of fuel, and taking a pragmatic approach to enforcement during this phase as well. The proposers emphasised that the proposal was not intended to delay the implementation. Several countries backed the proposal, while others – including Denmark – opposed it, because such a phase would cause uncertainty in the industry and, in effect, delay the implementation of the 0,50% sulphur limit. Against this background, the Committee rejected the proposed experience-building phase; however, a data gathering phase was approved to accommodate fuel quality concerns. Accordingly, the IMO’s Secretariat will gather and analyse data on the availability and quality of compliant fuel oil with a view to ensuring effective implementation of regulation 18 of MARPOL Annex VI. It should be noted in this respect that the data collection will be based on the reporting already mandatory for member states under the above-mentioned regulation. The starting date and duration of the data gathering will be decided at the Committee’s next session (MEPC 74).

Fuel oil quality

In continuation of the ongoing preparations for implementation of the new sulphur rules in 2020, the Committee approved “Guidance on best practice” for fuel oil suppliers. Among other things, the document contains recommendations for suppliers to establish a quality assurance system and ensure traceability throughout the supply chain. Denmark supported the document, which may contribute to ensuring the quality of fuel oil delivered to ships.

A similar document aimed at member states regarding their responsibilities towards fuel oil suppliers was also discussed. The subject had been examined by a correspondence group, but the document from the correspondence group contained a number of unresolved issues, particularly in respect of how member states should assure the quality of fuel oil. Therefore, the working group was unable to finalise the work, and it was decided to set up a new correspondence group charged with developing the document.

Use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) by ships in the Arctic

Heavy fuel oil (HFO) spills in Arctic waters pose a risk to the marine environment and coastal ecosystems. Rising Arctic shipping traffic as a result of ice melting, new raw material projects and tourism is expected to increase the risk of HFO spills in Arctic waters. The use of HFO also contributes to black carbon (soot) emissions, one result of which is increased ice melting in polar areas. The Committee had previously decided that the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) should prepare a proposal for a possible ban on the use and carriage of HFO as fuel on ships in the Arctic and that the proposal should be based on an impact assessment of a ban on Arctic communities.

On that basis, a number of proposals for the scope and methodology of the impact assessment, as well as for the data to be included, had been submitted prior to this session. Common to several proposals was the notion that an impact assessment should consider economic, environmental and social impacts and that it should be based on existing data to the widest possible extent.

Denmark supported the IMO’s work to develop a possible ban and emphasised the need for the impact assessment to take particular account of Arctic communities and economies.

It was decided that the impact assessment is to be conducted by the PPR Sub-Committee at its next meeting in early 2019, and interested parties were invited to submit impact assessments already made prior to this meeting to enable specific discussions of the impacts on the Arctic communities.

Greenhouse gas reductions

In April 2018, the IMO adopted an initial strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a follow-up on this strategy, the Committee adopted an action plan for the work up to 2023. The action plan is a time schedule, i.a. for the technical work of implementing reduction measures in the short, medium and long term as well as a plan for the preparation of impact assessments of the reduction measures. One aim of the time schedule is to prioritise reduction measures that may have an impact before 2023. At this session, the Committee also had an initial discussion of proposals for specific reduction measures such as strengthening of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

Moreover, the Committee had an initial discussion of the preparations for the Fourth IMO GHG Study, which is to be initiated at the next session in the first half of 2019. The study is intended to reduce uncertainties as regards estimates and scenarios for GHG emissions from shipping and will be important in relation to the level of ambition of the revised GHG strategy set for approval in 2023.

As the next step in this field, a fifth meeting of the Intersessional Working Group is expected to be held in the week just prior to MEPC 74. At this meeting, the concrete work of the short, medium and long-term reduction measures will be initiated. In addition, procedures for impact assessments of measures will be discussed.

Energy efficiency

The Committee discussed the outcome of the work of a correspondence group set up at MEPC 71 in 2017. The correspondence group had examined the current status of the technological development of ships and thereby the possibilities for strengthening the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which, in three phases so far, gradually tightens the requirements for the energy efficiency of new ships.

The correspondence group had prepared an interim report for this session on the possibility of shortening phase 2, bringing forward phase 3 from 2025 to 2022 and introducing new reduction rates in phase 3. The Committee could not reach agreement on these matters, and the decision was deferred to MEPC 74. The correspondence group will continue this work and will also discuss a possible introduction of a new phase 4.

Data collection

The requirements of the IMO’s data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships were introduced in MARPOL Annex VI on 1 March 2018. The system is mandatory for ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above. As from 2019, the ships will be required to submit data annually to the IMO through their flag state/recognised organisation on total fuel consumption, distance travelled and time at sea. The ships will therefore need to update their existing Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). To avoid a situation where all ships submit their revised plans for approval immediately before the system enters into force, the MEPC adopted at its last session in April 2018 a circular on timely submission of the SEEMP. This request was reiterated at this session as a large number of ships worldwide have still not submitted their plans. The data for the data collection system is submitted through the IMO’s GISIS module, where user guidance on the module is also available. The data will be included in the IMO’s continued work regarding reduction of GHG emissions from ships. The system is the first step of a three-step plan, the second step being an analysis of the data submitted, followed by a decision on what further measures to take to reduce carbon emissions from shipping, which will also be included in the work on a revision of the IMO’s initial strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions.

Amendments to MARPOL Annex II (paraffin)

Under the current regulations set in MARPOL Annex II, ships are permitted to clean paraffin from their tanks and then discharge the tank washings directly into the sea. The paraffin may subsequently wash ashore to the detriment of the environment and tourism. Furthermore, the subsequent clean-up of the beaches poses a financial burden.

Since 2013 the IMO has been working to amend these rules so that tank cleaning involving highviscosity substances, including paraffin, is required to take place at the port and that the tank washings must subsequently be discharged to a reception facility at the port. This will prevent discharges into the sea and thus also paraffin from washing up on the shores.

The Committee approved the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex II. The proposal will be submitted for adoption at MEPC 74.

Marine plastic litter from ships

At its previous session, the Committee agreed that an action plan on marine plastic litter from ships should be developed at this session. The proposals submitted were wide in scope, covering issues such as waste management on board ships, port reception facilities, waste related to fishing and loss of containers. Denmark is interested in an ambitious action plan and finds that this work may contribute to achieving compliance with UN resolutions on marine litter and micro plastics as well as Target 14.1 related to Life below Water. This is the first time the issue of marine plastic litter is addressed in an IMO setting.

The Committee discussed the many proposed actions and prepared on that basis an initial action plan containing a total of 30 actions. They are grouped in the plan according to focus areas and include reduction of marine plastic litter from fishing vessels, reduction of marine plastic litter from merchant vessels, improvement and efficiency enhancement of port reception facilities as well as improved education and training and increased awareness of the issue among future seafarers. The individual actions will now be prepared in detail by the relevant technical bodies of the IMO.

Ballast water

In connection with type approval, issue of certificates and self-monitoring of ballast water management systems, the Committee adopted the new Guidance on System Design Limitations (SDL) (BWM.2 circular).

Also, a draft guidance regarding commissioning of ballast water management systems for ships was adopted, which contains a simple indicative test of ballast water management systems (BWM.2 circular).

The existing Guidelines (G4) concerning ships’ ballast water management plans were amended so that any contingency measures, for instance in case of failure of a ballast water management system, may be incorporated in the plan.

Denmark contributed to keeping ballast water on the agenda of the MEPC in the period 2019-2023 as part of the experience-building phase (EBP) adopted.

The next session of the Committee, MEPC 74, will be held in the first half of 2019.

Minutes of the intersessional meeting on the implementation and handling of new sulphur regulations held under the auspices of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), 9–13 July 2018 in London

The meeting was held as part of the work on effective implementation of the more rigorous sulphur limit (0.50%), due to come into effect on 1 June 2020 worldwide (except for regional SOx control areas).

The items on the agenda included the following:

• Ship Implementation Plan
• Safety issues
• Format of Fuel Oil Non-Availability Report (FONAR)
• Port state control
• Procedures for verification of sulphur content
• Sampling locations

Ship Implementation Plan

A draft of “Guidance on the development of a ship implementation plan for the consistent implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI” was drawn up. It was agreed that the plan was not intended for approval by the Administration and will not be a mandatory document, but merely an indicative example of how a ship can comply with the regulations. The plan was forwarded to the next meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 73 in October 2018) for approval.

Safety issues

In connection with the discussions about implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit, possible problems of a safety nature linked to new fuel types were also discussed. It is expected there will be several problems with new fuels arriving on the market in connection with the new limit. However, these problems are not new; they are to a large extent already known from existing fuels. ISO therefore confirmed at the meeting that all fuels will be covered by the ISO 8217 commercial standard for fuel quality, and this will continue after 2020. Fuel characteristics that may potentially cause problems were sent to MEPC 73, which is expected to pass these on to the next meeting of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 100 in December 2018).

Other matters

Lack of time meant that drafting of a standard form for reporting “fuel oil non-availability” (known as a FONAR), procedures for verifying sulphur content and amendments to the guidelines for port state control were discussed but not completed. This work will be continued at PPR 6 in February next year.

Furthermore, there was general agreement that ships should nominate a location for taking oil samples, where applicable. This is so that they can ensure there is a representative sample of the fuel used onboard. This work will also be discussed further at PPR 6.

Main items from 120th session of the IMO Council 2-5 July 2018

The IMO’s Executive Organ, the IMO Council, held its 120th session on 2-5 July 2018 at its headquarters in London, chaired by Chairman Xiaojie Zhang from China.

The following items from the meeting are highlighted.

New Vice-Chairman

Edmundo Deville del Campo from Peru was elected the new Vice-Chairman of the IMO Council.

IMO's strategic plan

A proposal from several Member States including Denmark to implement an extra so-called “Performance Indicator” to gauge trends within maritime safety – for example, severe accidents – was approved in principle by the Council. In the period leading up to the next Council session, the data on which such an indicator would be based will be studied in detail in order to make a final decision on the wording.

Proposed reform

The Council held an initial and preliminary discussion of a paper submitted by a number of IMO Member States proposing reforms of the IMO Council. These proposals related to issues such as the number of members in the Council, the method applied for member election and initiatives to increase the level of transparency of the Council's activities. Given the comprehensive and detailed nature of the proposals, these were not discussed in depth during the meeting, and an agreement was reached to consider the proposals in detail during the next IMO Council session in November 2018.

Subjects from the IMO's Legal Committee

Denmark – in connection with the report from the Legal Committee – informed the other Member States that they have acceded to the 2010 HNS Protocol as of 28 June 2018 (Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea). Denmark therefore joins Norway, Canada and Turkey as those nations to accede to or ratify the Protocol, which is yet to come into force.

International Maritime Prize for 2017

In competition with two other candidates, Birgit Sølling Olsen from Denmark, former Deputy Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority and long-standing Danish delegate to the IMO, was awarded the IMO's International Maritime Prize for 2017 by the IMO Council. The Prize will be handed over during the next session of the Council in November 2018.

Applications for observer status with the IMO

After a review of the applications, the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) and the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel Ltd. (SGMF) were accepted as organisations with observer status with the IMO.

The next session of the IMO Council will be held on 19-23 November 2018.

Main items from the 99th session of the MSC

The 99th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 99) was held on 16-25 May 2018 in London, chaired by Chairman Brad Groves (Australia).

Among the issues discussed, the following are highlighted.

Framework for work on autonomous ships

During the session, a working group discussed the organisation of the work in the future for the IMO on autonomous ships, also known as “Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships” (MASS) in the IMO. The working group developed a methodology for conducting analysis of the regulations in light of the requirements entailed for technological developments. This methodology will be tested on a select few regulations, under the management of Finland, leading up to the next session in December.

During the discussions, the Member States also agreed upon a preliminary definition of an autonomous ship; a ship which, to a varying degree, can operate independently of human interaction – as it was established that an autonomous ship is not necessarily unmanned and that it is never “without a shipmaster”.

Four different degrees of autonomy were also established, as follows: ships with a high level of automation and decision support; remotely controlled ships with and without seafarers on board; and unmanned ships able to make decisions and determine own actions.

Final approval of new shipping routes in Skagerrak and Kattegat

The MSC finally approved a Danish-Swedish proposal for new shipping routes in Kattegat and Skagerrak, formerly finalised in the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) in February 2018. This allows the new routes to come into effect on 1 July 2020.

The new shipping routes comprise the following:

• Two recommended routes between Hanstholm and Skagen, designated as route A and route B.
• Present route T from Skagen to north of Hatter will now be an IMO recommended route T.
• A traffic separation system at Skagen.
• Deep-sea routes between Læsø and Anholt and east of Grenå.
• A new Precautionary Area north-east of Læsø.
• A new route S along the coast of Sweden.
• Three new traffic separation systems along route S, one of which in the northern part of Øresund.

Potential to extend the Polar Code to cover non-SOLAS ships

The Committee discussed the option of preparing safety standards for fishing vessels and pleasure yachts sailing in polar waters and not covered by the existing Polar Code.

The working group for this initiative discussed the extent to which such supplementary regulations could be based on international regulations or whether they should be laid down as guidelines. The working group initiated an analysis of the existing regulations for fishing vessels and pleasure yachts sailing in polar waters and prepared a plan for how to continue this work.

The committee concluded that this issue required further discussion at its next session (MSC 100) before any decision could be made on the issue.

Approval of Iridium as supplier of maritime emergency and communication systems (GDMSS)

The MSC approved in principle Iridium – the American satellite system – as an alternative emergency and communication system (GDMSS) for international shipping. Iridium covers polar waters and therefore has the potential, in the long term, to provide improvements to emergency communications. The operator will now commence on final practical initiatives with a view to commissioning the satellite system for operations on 1 January 2020.

Clarification of the work on side-raking damage to passenger ships

This is the latest working issue for the IMO, as follow-up after the COSTA CONCORDIA accident in 2012, and relates to how to ensure power supply on-board a passenger ship in the event of extensive damage (crack) to the ship side, also known as side-raking damage. This issue has proved complex, but an agreement has now been reached that the best way to ensure power supply is to study whether emergency power supply for passenger ships can be optimised with a view to such damage.

Extension of area for shipping that may be covered by the Code for Industrial Personnel The MSC discussed extending the area of application of the IP Code and, in particular, whether to include offshore units with no SOLAS cargo ship certificate and therefore not originally covered by the IP Code. The MSC decided to continue with the present system so that the IP Code may be developed as a safety standard based on the SOLAS cargo ship certificate and the HSC Code's cargo ship certificate.

Application of GISIS

With a view to the continuous developments to IMO’s information database, GISIS, there was general support for application of this platform for e.g. registration of information on harbour security plans, reporting accidents, national contact points etc.

Alignment to the Cape Town agreement regarding fishing vessel safety

In light of, not least, the discussions of safety for fishing vessels in polar waters, the Member States were repeatedly encouraged to accede to the agreement so that it may come into force as an international instrument.

Work load for sub-committees

An agreement was reached to extend the duration of the meetings of the NCSR sub-committee to eight days, albeit sustaining the current four-day plenary session (interpretation). It is proposed that this new duration applies to the next two meetings. The proposal shall now be ratified by the Council.

Adoption of regulations

The Committee formally adopted the final new following regulations, previously discussed and approved by the Committee.

RESOLUTION MSC.436(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1974, AS AMENDED

Amendments to the SOLAS Convention principally comprise:

• Computer-based support to the Master of existing passenger ships to ensure stability in the event of a flooding casualty.
• Amendment to SOLAS IV, radio-communication services. Adaptation to other providers of radiocommunication services.
• Amendment to related international certificates.

RESOLUTION MSC.437(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR APPLICATION OF FIRE TEST PROCEDURES, 2010 (2010 FTP CODE)

• Requirement for established fire safety testing of exposed floor coverings also for passenger ships
  carrying not more than 36 passengers.

RESOLUTION MSC.438(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SAFETY FOR HIGHSPEED CRAFT, 1994 (1994 HSC CODE)

• Amendment to SOLAS IV, radio-communication services. Adaptation to other providers of radiocommunication services.
• Amendment to related international certificates.

RESOLUTION MSC.439(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SAFETY FOR HIGHSPEED CRAFT, 2000 (2000 HSC CODE)

• Amendment to SOLAS IV, radio-communication services. Adaptation to other providers of radiocommunication services.
• Amendment to related international certificates.

RESOLUTION MSC.440(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF SHIPS CARRYING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN BULK (IBC CODE)

• Adaptation of the international certificate.

RESOLUTION MSC.441(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF SHIPS CARRYING LIQUEFIED GASES IN BULK (IGC CODE)

• Adaptation of the international certificate.

RESOLUTION MSC.442(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME DANGEROUS GOODS (IMDG) CODE

• Technical updates.

RESOLUTION MSC.443(99) – AMENDMENTS TO PART A OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON INTACT STABILITY, 2008 (2008 IS CODE) (UNDER THE 1974 SOLAS CONVENTION)

• One footnote deleted.

RESOLUTION MSC.444(99) – AMENDMENTS TO PART A OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON INTACT STABILITY, 2008 (2008 IS CODE) (UNDER THE 1988 LOAD LINES PROTOCOL)

• One footnote deleted.

RESOLUTION MSC.445(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF SAFETY FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIPS, 2008 (2008 SPS CODE)

• Adaptation to other providers of radio-communication services.

RESOLUTION MSC.446(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF SHIPS CARRYING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN BULK (BCH CODE)

• Adaptation of the international certificate.

RESOLUTION MSC.447(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF SHIPS CARRYING LIQUEFIED GASES IN BULK (GC CODE)

•  Adaptation of the international certificate.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE FOR EXISTING SHIPS CARRYING LIQUEFIED GASES IN BULK (EGC CODE)

•  Adaptation of the international certificate.

RESOLUTION MSC.448(99) – REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE PREVENTION OF ACCESS BY STOWAWAYS AND THE ALLOCATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES TO SEEK THE SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION OF STOWAWAY CASES

•  Update.

RESOLUTION MSC.449(99) – PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR SHIPBORNE INDIAN REGIONAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM (IRNSS) RECEIVER EQUIPMENT

• New (adapted) performance standard.

RESOLUTION MSC.452(99) – AMENDMENTS TO THE REVISED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR INTEGRATED NAVIGATION SYSTEMS (INS) (RESOLUTION MSC.252(83))

•  Update.

The next session of the Committee, MSC 100, will be held 3-7 December 2018

Minutes of the fifth meeting of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue (NCSR 5), held 19–23 February 2018 in London

Routeing measures

The Sub-Committee approved a Danish/Swedish proposal for new routeing measures in the Kattegat, to come into effect on 1 July 2020. The new shipping routes consist of the following:

• Two recommended routes between Hanstholm and the Skaw, referred to as Route A and Route B
• The current Route T from the Skaw to north of Hatter will become an IMO-approved route, known as Route T
• Traffic separation scheme at the Skaw
• Deep-water routes between Læsø and Anholt and east of Grenå
• A new precautionary area northeast of Læsø
• A new Route S along the Swedish coast
• Three new traffic separation schemes along Route S: one of these in the northern part of the Sound

The Sub-Committee also approved the following proposals:

• Establishment of Dangan Channel TSS and associated measures in the Pearl River Estuary
• Changes to the existing areas to be avoided off Ghana’s coast in the Atlantic Ocean
• Establishment of two-way routes and precautionary areas in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait
• Establishment of three new areas to be avoided in the Bering Sea

The route proposals are due to be approved at the forthcoming meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee in May 2018.

Guidelines for the harmonised display of navigation information, introduction of S-mode and Maritime Service Portfolios

The Sub-Committee approved draft guidelines on how standardisation of information for navigators via communication equipment can be ensured. In addition, with reference to the guidelines for introduction of S-mode (which is a universal standard setting of ECDIS), the decision was taken to set up a correspondence group to continue work on these.

The following were also approved at the meeting:

• Draft of harmonised display of navigation information
• Terms of reference for S-mode working group
• Terms of reference for HGDM 2 (to be held at the end of October, if adopted)
• The Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP) will be approved as an MSC circular

Revision of chapters III and IV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), input to the ITU-R working group and the ITU radiocommunications conference, as well as the development of GMDSS satellite services.

The Sub-Committee is continuing its work on revising SOLAS chapters III and IV dealing with emergency radio communication, including functional requirements, conditions, definitions, etc. The revision could not be completed at the meeting, and it was decided to continue working in a correspondence group until NCSR 6. Input for use with the ITU-R working group and the ITU radiocommunications conference was also produced. Considerable time was devoted to dealing with recognition of the Inmarsat Fleet Safety service offered by the GMDSS satellite service. A draft of this recognition was produced and it is requested that this be adopted at the forthcoming meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee in May.

The Polar Code

The Sub-Committee resolved to continue the work on drafting requirements for navigation and communication equipment on ships in Arctic waters until the next meeting of the Sub-Committee in 2019. The work will proceed in a so-called correspondence group in which Denmark participates.

Revision of standard for EPIRBs, guidance for harmonised rescue procedures and amendments to the IAMSAR manual.

The Sub-Committee produced the draft of a revised standard for emergency transmitters (EPIRBs) and submitted a request that this be dealt with in an expert group ready for the next meeting of the SubCommittee. Non-approved amendments to the IAMSAR manual for forwarding to the Maritime Safety Committee for final approval included:

• “Use of tracking and locating cell-phone applications (apps)” inserted in vol. 2
• More general reorganisation of the text in vol. 3
• Improvements to the national self-assessment questionnaire
• Definitions of the phases of an emergency
• Procedures for multiple aircraft SAR operations (ACO)
• Updated medical information exchange form.

Summary of the fifth session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 5) held in London on 5-9 February 2018

Implementation and enforcement of the global 0.5 per cent sulphur limit value

At this session, a proposal to ban the on-board presence of fuel with a sulphur content above 0.5 per cent from 2020 – unless the ship is fitted with a scrubber or any other reduction technology – enjoyed wide support from both the member States and organisations. The proposal will be forwarded for consideration by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 72) as a matter of urgency. Thus, a ban could become effective from March 2020.

Furthermore, PPR 5 drafted a plan for the work on efficient implementation and enforcement. According to the plan, an intersessional meetings dedicated to this issue will be held in July 2018, and the work is to be finalised at PPR 6 in early 2019. At the meetings, a proposal for the main lines was also drawn up in the form of a set of guidelines intended to support ships, port States and flag States with the work on efficient implementation and enforcement – both up to 1 January 2020 and following the entry into force.

Black Carbon (soot)

At this session, progress was made as regards one important aspect of Black Carbon. It was agreed to recommend three measuring methods (FSN, PAS and LII) as those most suitable for measuring Black Carbon at present. In addition, agreement was reached about a reporting protocol for voluntary measuring studies of Black Carbon from ships. Many countries and organisations, including Denmark, had submitted the results of voluntary measuring studies for this session, and the attendees were urged to continue the work on measuring studies towards PPR 6, when possible reduction methods for Black Carbon are to be considered.

Finally, a correspondence group was established under the chairmanship of Canada to identify any possible reduction methods for Black Carbon and assess their applicability.

Handling exhaust gases (EGR bleed-off and NOx scrubbers)

One of the methods for compliance with the stricter NOx emission requirements (Tier III) for new diesel engines used in NECAs (such as the North Sea and the Baltic Sea from 2021) is the recirculation of a part of the exhaust gas to the intake air (Exhaust Gas Recirculation, EGR). In this process, the recirculated exhaust gas is cooled down, and thereby the steam generated during the combustion condenses and must, therefore, be carried away from the system. During PPR 5, a previous proposal from Denmark, Germany and Japan on the management of the condensed liquid was finalised by a working group, and agreement was reached about draft guidelines which were forwarded to MEPC 73 to be held in October 2018 with a view to final approval.

Another method for compliance with the stricter NOx requirements is the use of a catalyst. Guidelines have been developed for the construction and approval of catalysts, but in order to ensure a homogeneous application of these, agreement was reached at PPR 5 about a proposal for amendments to the NOx Technical Code, which will be forwarded to MEPC 73 with a view to final approval.

The NOx Technical Code also stipulates the approval requirements for ships’ engines, including the requirements for the operating profiles to be used for the approval. On the basis of the development of the electronically controlled injection of fuel, it is today possible to immediately approve engines for using several operating profiles. Consequently, it was also agreed to recommend MEPC 73 to establish a new work item on the examination of the potential for applying several operating profiles and – if possible – to revise the NOx Code so that it becomes possible to approve engines with more than one operating profile and to draw up guidelines hereon.

As regards scrubbers, a correspondence group was established under the chairmanship of Finland to finalise the revision of the guidelines on the approval of scrubbers and on the handling of breakdowns and brief transgressions for scrubbers.

Electronic Record Books

Despite opposition by one delegation, agreement was reached at this session to finalise a set of guidelines for the application of electronic record books in relation to MARPOL, which is a considerable step towards promoting the recognition of electronic documents in general in the IMO. Furthermore, it was widely agreed to permit the issue of electronic record books for an interim period before the regulations hereon in, inter alia, MARPOL become effective.

Ballast water

At this session, a guidance on “System Design Limitations” (SDL) was finalised. This means that, in case a ballast water management system (BWMS) is capable of more than required by the type approval, it would be possible – via a type approval certificate – to inform about this in the SDL on the certificate for the relevant BWMS. The guidance is expected to be approved at MEPC 73 with a view to being incorporated into BWM.2/Circ.61.

Furthermore, it was established that contingency plans (as described in BWM.2/Circ.62) concerns the discharge of ballast water that cannot comply with the convention requirements. PPR 5 invited all interested parties to submit examples of contingency plans to PPR 6. Furthermore, problems related to the intake of ballast water in especially problematic port areas were considered, and also here everyone was invited to submit information about the extent of the problem to PPR 6.

AFS Convention – ban on Cybutryne in ships’ anti-fouling bottom paint

The EU countries presented a number of scientific information about the substance Cybutryne with a view to having it included on the list of substances that must not be used in ships’ anti-fouling bottom paint. In practice, this must be done in connection with a coming revision of the AFS Convention, and the Sub-Committee endorsed starting this work, inter alia on the basis of further scientific information from the proposers. The work is expected to be finalized in 2020.

Main issues from IMO Council and Assembly sessions held from 23 November to 7 December 2017

From 27 November to 6 December 2017, the IMO held its 30th Assembly at the Organization’s headquarters in London. Assembly is held every second year, and this time it was attended by 165 of the Organization’s 172 member States as well as by a number of observers.

Both up to and after the Assembly meeting, the IMO Council met from 23 to 24 November and on 7 December, respectively.

New IMO strategy 2018-2023

Assembly adopted the new strategy for the IMO’s work 2018-23, the contents of which had been prepared by Council. The new strategy contains, inter alia, a mission, a vision and a number of overall principles for the work of the Organization.

The following seven strategic goals, establishing the overall framework of the IMO’s professional and organisational priorities in the coming six years, represent the most important new elements of the strategy:

1. Improve implementation
2. Integrate new technologies in the regulatory framework
3. Respond to climate change
4. Engage in ocean governance
5. Enhance global facilitation of international trade
6. Ensure regulatory effectiveness
7. Ensure organizational effectiveness

On the basis of these prioritised areas, the strategy also contains a wide number of internal indicators enabling the IMO Council to continuously follow the implementation of the new strategy.

Resolutions relates to maritime safety

Assembly adopted the following resolutions, which had been prepared by the Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee and its sub-committees during 2016-2017:

• Escape route signs and equipment location markings
• IMO Ship Identification Number Scheme
• Revised guidelines on the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Administrations
• Procedures for Port State Control, 2017
• Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2017
• 2017 Non-exhaustive list of obligations under instruments relevant to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code)

Resolutions related to legal issues

Assembly adopted two resolutions that had been prepared by the Organization’s Legal Committee during 2016-17:

• Implementation and entry into force of the 2010 Hazardous and Noxious Substances Protocol
• Delegation of authority to issue certificates of insurance or other financial security required under the 1992 Civil Liability Convention and the 2010 Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention

Resolutions related to technical assistance to member States

Assembly adopted two resolutions that had been prepared by the Organization’s Technical Cooperation Committee during 2016-17:

• Linkages between IMO's technical assistance work and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Guiding principles of IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Financing and partnership arrangements for an effective and sustainable Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme

Issues related to environmental protection

Assembly adopted a single resolution on “Code for the Transport and Handling of Hazardous and Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels”, which had been prepared by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during 2016-17.

Furthermore, Assembly recognised the challenge presented by plastic pollution of the sea, which must be solved within the framework of the UN work on Ocean Governance across a number of UN bodies.

2018-19 budget

Assembly agreed to Concil’s recommendation for the 2018-2019 budgets, resulting in a total membership fee of GBP 31.9 million for 2018 and GBP 33.2 million for 2019.

Council election for 2018-19

162 were considered to be entitled to vote, and in the following ballots the countries below were elected in the groups for which they had presented their candidacy:

Group A (States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services)
There were merely ten candidates for ten seats and they all acquired the required minimum number of votes: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, Russia, South Korea, UK and USA.

Group B (States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade)
There were twelve candidates for ten seats, and the following States were elected: AAustralia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and United Arab Emirates.

Group C (States with special interests in maritime transport or navigation)
There were 24 candidates for 20 seats, and the following States were elected: Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

Constitution of the newly elected Council on 7 December

The sole purpose of the session was to consolidate the newly elected Council with a Chairman and a ViceChairman for the 2018-19 biennium.

In this connection, the previous Vice-Chairman, Mr. Zhang Xiaojie from China, was elected the new Chairman of the Council for the next biennium, and the former Chairman, Mr. Jeffrey Lantz from the US, was thanked for his great contribution to the work of the Council. The election of a new Chairman was postponed until the next Council session in July 2018.

Main issues from MEPC 71, 3-7 July 2017

The 71st session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) was held in London on 3 to 7 July 2017 under the chairmanship of Mr. Arsenio Dominguez (Panama) and the vice-chairmanship of Mr. Hideaki Saito (Japan).

Ballast water management

The Ballast Water Management Convention enters into force on 8 September 2017 and approx. 60 per cent of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant fleet is behind it.

The entry into force of the installation dates was approved as follows:

• New ships: Ships built (keel-laying date) on 8 September 2017 or later must meet the D-2 standard upon delivery.
• Existing ships which must have their IOPP certificates renewed for the first time between 8 September 2017 and 8 September 2019 must meet the D-2 standard at their second renewal survey of the IOPP certificate (i.e. a postponement of 5 years).
• Existing ships that are required to undergo IOPP renewal surveys on 8 September 2019 or later must meet the D-2 standard on this date.
• Existing ships below 400 GT must meet the D-2 standard in 2024.

According to the Convention, ships must replace their ballast water in accordance with the provisions stipulated in regulation D-1 of the Convention until the requirements for cleaning enter into force. MEPC 71 has approved a new circular that describes how ships are to act:

• in areas where no exchange areas have been designated,
• in areas designated as exchange areas, and
• in exchange areas where it is not possible to exchange the contents of the relevant tanks (cf. G14, paragraph 10.3).

The Committee has succeeded in revising the G7 guidelines on risk assessments of ballast water so that now they contain the method referred to as "Same Risk Area" (SRA). Previously the guidelines contained only methods for assessing specific ships' routes, but the SRA method can be used to perform risk assessments of rather small sea areas for use in connection with, for example, exemptions.

Climate

MEPC 71 reached agreement on an overall structure for and the main elements of the IMO initial strategy for reductions of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Furthermore, the countries started the debate on possible specific measures by means of a rough list of reduction measures, such as a strengthening of already existing requirements for ships' energy efficiency (see also below) and further research in the use of alternative fuels.

The initial strategy is expected to be adopted at the next committee meeting to be held in the spring of 2018, while the final strategy is expected to be ready in 2023. Due to the urgent nature of the case, two inter-sessional meetings have been arranged prior to the next Committee meeting – in October 2017 and in the spring of 2018, respectively.

Energy efficiency

The regulations on the IMO energy efficiency design index (EEDI) have been divided into three phases – phase 1 entered into force in 2015, while phases 2 and 3 will enter into force in 2020 and 2025, respectively. At MEPC 71, it was decided to establish a correspondence group tasked with carrying out another status on technological developments and – on the basis hereof – examining the possibility of shortening phase 2 and, thus, move forward the entry into force of phase 3, while introducing a subsequent phase 4 with additional energy efficiency requirements. At this session, a proposal to revise the reference lines for both ro-ro cargo and passenger ships was also adopted; thereby it will become possible to build new larger ro-ro ships that comply with the stricter requirements of the coming phases.

At the next Committee meeting, inter alia a revision of the minimum requirements for ships' output is to be considered, which will ensure that the ships are also capable of manoeuvring in adverse weather conditions for safety reasons.

Data collection

At the previous Committee meeting, the regulations on a new data collection system for ships' fuel consumption were adopted for inclusion in MARPOL Annex VI. The system is to apply to ships with a tonnage above 5000 GT and, from 2019, these ships are to submit information annually to the IMO via the flag State on their total fuel consumption, the distance travelled and the time spent at sea.

MEPC 71 approved guidelines for the flag Administrations, on the one hand, on how to verify the information collected and for the IMO as such, on the other hand, on how the Organization is to more specifically establish and maintain the already agreed ”Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database”. The information from the data collection system will form part of the IMO's ongoing climate work related to reductions of shipping's greenhouse gas emissions. The system is the first step of a three-step plan, where the next steps are an analysis of the data submitted followed by a decision on which additional measures to take to reduce shipping CO2 emissions. Naturally, the latter step will be closely connected to the work mentioned above on the development of an IMO climate strategy.

Sulphur

MEPC 71 got one step further in its efforts to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the 0.50 per cent sulphur requirement, which will enter into force in 2020 outside SECA areas. Thus, the Committee approved the plan for the implementation of future work towards 2020, which had been drawn up by the PPR Sub-Committee and, in this connection, no interim arrangements, etc. were accepted as proposed by a number of countries. However, the PPR SubCommittee will – as requested by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) – also be required to report any safety risks related to the use of low-sulphur fuels to the MSC.

Furthermore, the Committee approved an amendment to the text of the bunker delivery note (BDN). This amendment means that, from 1 January 2020, ships cannot legally purchase fuel with a sulphur content above 0.50 per cent unless they are fitted with a scrubber or use some other kind of approved alternative technology for exhaust gas cleaning.

Finally, it was decided to dedicate extra forces to the IMO work in this field through an intersessional meeting on the implementation during the second half of 2018.

NOx emission control areas (NECA)

MEPC 71 decided to designate the North Sea and the Baltic Sea NOx emission control areas from 2021. Denmark has been striving to reach this result for several years because it will have a major positive impact on the environment and the health of human beings.

The NECA regulations mean that ships constructed after 2021 and engaged in voyages in the North Sea and/or the Baltic Sea will have to reduce their NOx emissions (nitrogen oxides) by 75 per cent. Similar provisions have been in force in the waters around North America since early 2016.

The Hong Kong Convention

Denmark informed the Committee that it has now ratified the Convention.

The Arctic area

MEPC 71 decided that the IMO is to consider the risks related to the use and carriage of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in Arctic regions, which Denmark supported.

The next session of the MEPC (MEPC 72) will be held during the first six months of 2018.

Summary of conclusions from MSC 97, London

The report of conclusions from MSC 97 has now been published.

At the meeting, the following (mandatory) amendments of the international conventions and codes were adopted:

1. Resolution MSC.409(97) – Amendments to the International Convention for the
   Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended. Expected entry into force 1 January
   2020.
   a. Clarification of which ships are covered by the Noise Code
   b. Amended requirements for fire-extinguishers in boiler rooms.
   c. Clarification of the requirements for intermediate and renewal surveys.
2. Resolution MSC.410(97) – Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code). Expected entry into force 1 January 2020.
   a. Amended test criteria for the distribution of passengers and crew.
3. Resolution MSC.411(97) – Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of ships carrying Liquefied gases in bulk (IGC Code).
   Expected entry into force 1 January 2020.
   a. Amended requirements for fire-safety on cargo decks.
4. Resolution MSC.412(97) – Amendments to the International Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code). Expected entry into force 1 July 2018.
   a. Amended requirements for thickness measurements and detailed inspections.
5. Resolution MSC.413(97) – Amendments to the Introduction and Part A of the
   International Code on Intact Stability 2008 (2008 IS Code) under the 1974 SOLAS Convention. Expected entry into force 1 January 2020.
   a. Stricter requirements for ships carrying out anchor handling operations, etc.
6. Resolution MSC.414(97) – Amendments to the Introduction and Part A of the International Code on Intact Stability 2008 (2008 IS Code) under the 1988 Load Line Protocol. Expected entry into force 1 January 2020.
   a. Stricter requirements for ships carrying out anchor handling operations, etc.
7. Resolution MSC.415(97) – Amendments to Part B of the International Code on Intact Stability 2008 (2008 IS Code). Expected entry into force 1 January 2020.
   a. Stricter requirements for ships carrying out anchor handling operations, etc.
8. Resolution MSC.416(97) – Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended. Expected entry into force 1 July 2018.
   a. Amended training requirements in connection with the implementation of the Polar Code.
9. Resolution MSC.417(97) – Amendments to Part A of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code). Expected entry into force 1 July 2018.
   a. Amended training requirements in connection with the implementation of the Polar Code.
   b. Special training of personnel on certain types of ships (passenger ships).

In addition, the following guidance was adopted:

1. Resolution MSC.418(97) – Interim recommendations on the safe carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages.
   a. Qualifications of offshore specialists.

Important subjects from MEPC 70

The 70th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Arsenio Dominguez (Panama) and Vice-Chairman Hideaki Saito (Japan) also attended the meeting.

Ballast water management

The International Ballast Water Management Convention will enter into force on 8 September 2017, and it is supported by more than 50 per cent of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant fleet. In the week prior to MEPC 70, an inter-sessional (intermediate) meeting was held on the finalisation of Guidelines G8 for the approval of ballast water management systems. This work was finalised at the meeting through the adoption of the revised Guidelines. Furthermore, the Guidelines will become mandatory and be rewritten into a Code.

At the MEPC session as such, it was – following prolonged debate on the possible postponement of the installation dates stipulated in regulation B-3 of the MARPOL Convention – decided to maintain the decision taken at MEPC 69, according to which the installation dates were updated in accordance with A.1088. However, it was accepted to attach a document containing an alternative to the dates as an annex to the summary from MEPC 70. The alternative contains a postponement of the installation dates and will be considered at the 71st session of the MEPC before a final decision is taken.

The concept of a "Same Risk Area", which had been developed by Denmark, was considered by the review group, and it was decided to make it possible to use the concept now, while Guidelines G7 for risk assessments can be adjusted at MEPC 71 so that the "Same Risk Area" is mentioned and defined in the Guidelines. This means that, instead of developing a risk assessment per ship route, which is the requirement today, it is possible to make a risk assessment for an area (following agreement among the authorities in all the countries concerned), which will be considerably simpler to handle for both shipowners and authorities.

Energy efficiency design index (EEDI)

The regulations on the energy efficiency design index are divided into three phases – phases 1, 2 and 3 – which will become effective in 2015, 2020 and 2025, respectively. A correspondence group which has scrutinized the status on the technological development for EEDI ships presented its report to the MEPC; this work showed that it is necessary to revise the EEDI provisions for both ro-ro cargo and passenger ships since it will not be possible to build new, larger ro-ro ships that meet the phase 2 requirements. At the next session of the Committee, the minimum requirements for ships' propulsion power are also to be revised in order to ensure that the ships are manoeuvrable also in adverse weather conditions. On the basis of the work made by the correspondence group, it was furthermore decided to make a status of technological developments immediately after this revision of the minimum requirements for the propulsion power and, on the basis of this status, to examine the possibility of shortening phase 2 and thereby bring about phase 3 earlier than planned and, simultaneously, introduce a subsequent phase 4 with additional energy efficiency requirements.

Data collection

MEPC 70 adopted regulations on a "data collection system for fuel consumption", which is intended to provide information about ships' fuel consumption. The system is to apply to ships with a gross tonnage above 5,000 GT and, from 2019, the ships are required to forward information annually to the IMO via the flag State about their total fuel consumption, distance travelled and time at sea. The system is a first step of a three-step plan. At first, the subsequent steps will consist in an analysis of the data collected followed by a decision on which additional measures to be taken to reduce shipping's CO2 emissions. The provisions will be included in MARPOL Annex VI.

Furthermore, the MEPC has approved guidelines for ships on how to collect the required data and report them to the IMO. At the same time, the information from this "data collection system" will form part of the work on the IMO climate agenda.

Greenhouse gas emissions

The considerations on how to reduce shipping's greenhouse gas emissions took place in a working group which, following prolonged debate, agreed on a roadmap for how the shipping industry can contribute to the global efforts made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The roadmap which was adopted by the MEPC is an important step in the IMO's work to follow up on the Paris Agreement from December 2015, and it paves the way for also global shipping's ability to contribute to reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions. The roadmap launches a new process parallel to the IMO's established three-step approach. The roadmap means that the IMO must develop a strategy for reducing ships' greenhouse gas emissions, inter alia develop new global measures in both the long and the short term. Initially, the strategy must be ready in 2018 with a view to contributing to the first status deliberations as regards compliance with the long-term climate goals of the Paris Agreement. The strategy is subsequently to be updated and finally adopted in 2023. With the adoption of the roadmap, it has furthermore been decided that, in coming years, the IMO climate work must be given higher priority and that a number of inter-sessional meetings are to be held, the first of which should be held before MEPC 71.

Sulphur

It was confirmed that, from 1 January 2020, ships' fuels must have a maximum sulphur content of 0.5 per cent compared to the current 3.5 per cent. The decision to confirm the date was made by a surprisingly clear majority of the IMO countries.

In connection with the decision on the 2020 date, a number of major flag States, including Denmark, stressed that the work on the implementation should be taken very seriously. Against this background, the Committee therefore decided simultaneously to launch the work on an implementation plan to be prepared by the PPR Sub-Committee in January 2017 and debated at MEPC 71. The MEPC approved two proposals that may contribute to efficient and homogeneous enforcement of the sulphur regulations: A set of guidelines for fuel sampling to be used on board ships as well as an amendment of the bunker delivery note that means that, after 2020, ships fitted with scrubbers can be supplied with fuel that exceeds the global limit value of 0.50 per cent.

The new regulations will bring about a reduction of up to 85 per cent for the benefit of health and the environment all over the world. It was important to take a decision on the entry into force date in order to create clarity for the industry and the authorities. The North Sea and the Baltic Sea as well as the waters around North America have, since 1 January 2015, been special emission control areas as regards sulphur with a limit of no more than 0.1 per cent sulphur in ships' fuel.

NOx emission control areas (NECAs)

The MEPC approved applications from the North Sea and Baltic Sea countries to designate the Baltic Sea and the North Sea as emission control areas for NOx emissions. This means that, from 2021, new ships operating in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea are required to decrease the emission of nitrogen oxides by 75 per cent. Similar regulations have applied in the waters around North America since early 2016.

For several years, Denmark has been striving to have stricter NOx requirements adopted for ships operating in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. A reduction of ships' NOx emissions will have a positive impact on health and environment. The applications must be adopted at MEPC 72.

New garbage record book

At the meeting, it was decided to amend the garbage record book. Thus, in the future the garbage record book will consist of two parts, the first part of which is for recording operational waste from ships, and the second part of which is exclusively for use by ships carrying dry cargoes in bulk where the discharge of cargo residues must be recorded.

The Hong Kong Convention

Japan had submitted a request for the IMO to further fast accession to the Hong Kong Convention at the MEPC meeting. This proposal enjoyed general support. A number of countries, including Denmark, informed that they are in the process of preparing their ratification of the Convention.

The Arctic region

A group of green interest organisations had submitted a paper, in which the raise concern about the use of heavy oil in the Arctic region and mention what is done at the moment to counter the risks related to this. The submission is related to the recent address to the PAME group under the Arctic Council about the same subject. The MEPC agreed that the protection of the Arctic environment is an important issue that should be debated at coming meetings and decided to strengthen the collaboration between the IMO and the Arctic Council in the future.

Summary of the 3rd session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 3)

CCC 3 was held at the IMO headquarters in London from 5 to 9 September 2016.

The official summary of the meeting is available from the IMO webpage.

Blue Denmark had shown great interest in the meeting and, thus, thus it was attended by representatives from D/S Norden, A.P. Møller Mærsk, DFDS, Scandlines and the Danish Shipowners' Association as well as a representative of the company Serenergy, which inter alia develops fuel cells.

93 documents were up for consideration at the meeting distributed on 14 agenda items. Denmark had not submitted any documents to this session, but had a special interest in the following agenda items:

Amendments to the IMSBC Code (International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code)

A German proposal to amend Cargo Group C to Class B for Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizers was considered. Prior to the meeting, the Danish delegation had been informed by D/S Norden and the Danish Shipowners' Association that the proposal would have large economic consequences for bulk carriers and require major changes to ships' equipment and design. After having gained the support of several other countries and organisations at the edge of the meeting, Denmark's position was presented at the meeting and the proposal concerned was not adopted.

Verifying the weight of packed contains (VGM)

Since 1 July 2016, all export containers that are to be loaded on boards ships have been required to be fitted with a so-called verified gross mass (VGM).

At the meeting, the initial experience gained with the regulations was debated and both the World Shipping Council (WSC) and the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) expressed great appreciation of the smooth implementation of the provisions. The organisations mentioned have published a FAQ on the regulations, which was also presented at the meeting.

Furthermore, Denmark was specifically mentioned as one of the countries that have started using the Global ACEP Database.

The IGF Code

Last year, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted the code for ships propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), i.e. the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). The Code enters into force on 1 January 2017 and initially contains requirements for the construction of ships using liquefied natural gas as fuel. The CCC Sub-Committee has started work extending the IGF Code by developing regulations applicable to other types of fuel with a low flashpoint. Until now, a correspondence group has been working on provisions for methanol and ethanol as well as for "fuel cells" using liquefied natural gas as fuel.

At this session, it was decided that the regulations on "fuel cells" should not only cover LNG as fuel, but should also be generic in nature and cover other fuels with a low flashpoint. This work was initiated by a working group, but was considerably more comprehensive than immediately expected by the Sub-Committee and could, therefore, not be finalised by the working group. The working group was also attended by a representative of the Danish company Serenergy which could – as manufacturers of "fuel cells" – provide the working group with specific information about the functioning and construction of "fuel cells".

The work finalising the regulations on "fuel cells" as well as the regulations on methanol and ethanol will be continued by a correspondence group until the next session of the Sub-Committee (CCC 4 to be held in September 2017).

Summary of the 40th session of the IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL 40)

The 40th session of the FAL Committee elected Mr. Y. Melenas (Russian Federation) as its Chairman and Mrs. M. Angsell (Sweden) as its Vice-Chairman for 2016-2017 biennium.

Among the most interesting items on the agenda were the following:

Adoption of amendments to the FAL Convention

With only a few minor amendments, the Committee succeeded in adopting the new Convention text which had been approved at the previous session after many years' work updating the text. Included among the amendments are Danish key issues stipulating that, in the future, passenger lists must be furnished with visa numbers in order to reduce the burden imposed when ships are crossing country borders. Furthermore, it is now generally accepted and recommended that electronic communication can and should be used between ship and shore.

Electronic certificates

Denmark's year-long political efforts to have the world community accept electronic certificates were finally crowned with success when the IMO adopted guidelines on the use and acceptance hereof (FAL.5/Circ.39). This means that there are no longer any obstacles to Denmark and other countries starting using efficient, modern certificates that are independent from old-fashioned paper procedures and the postal services' ability to make documents reach a ship.

Guidelines on education and training for mooring personnel

The IMO approved guidelines to ensure improved education and training of personnel performing risky mooring operations (FAL.6/Circ.11). The provisions concern the shore-side and mooring vessels, and thus not the conditions on board the ship as such. The guidelines are expected to be adopted at the 41st session of the FAL Committee in 2017.

Increased frequency of Committee meetings

In his opening address, the relatively recently nominated Secretary-General of the IMO, Kitack Lim, urged the member States to speed up the efforts made to reduce bureaucracy in the maritime world. In this connection, the FAL Committee is one of the most important bodies and, therefore, the Secretary-General proposed that the Committee starting having annual meetings instead of convening only once every 18 months. The proposal was approved at the meeting and will now be forwarded to the IMO Council for its adoption

Official summary from IMO SSE Sub-Committee meeting available now

The third session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 3) was held at IMO headquarters in London from 14 to 18 March 2016.

The official summary from the meeting is now available from the IMO webpage.

Among the many items on the agenda were, inter alia, four important Danish issues on life-saving appliances, goal-based regulations, fire safety and escape routes, which were considered and forwarded to the coming meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 96) to be held in May 2016.

Enhanced safety in connection with inspection and maintenance of lifeboats and rescue boats

The Sub-Committee approved an amended regulation to SOLAS regulation III, which introduces stricter requirements for the inspection and maintenance of lifeboats and rescue boats as well as launching and release arrangements. The purpose of the new requirements is to enhance safety, inter alia in connection with safety drills on board ships. The proposal is to be adopted at the next session of the Maritime Safety Committee.

Incorporation of goal-based regulations on life-saving appliances

The current work developing goal-based regulations on life-saving appliances was considered at this session. It was decided that the work should be continued by a correspondence group that is to continue working on goal-based regulations until the next meeting in 2017.

Escape route and emergency exit signs and equipment location markings

On the basis of ISO's work on safety signs for use on board ships (ISO 24409-2:2014), it was decided that, in the future, reference is to be made to the same graphic symbols. It was agreed that the existing IMO symbols, as given in resolution A.760(18) and MSC.82(70), can continue to be used on existing ships. In addition, the Sub-Committee approved a number of interpretations in the form of Unified Interpretations as well as adjustments of existing guidelines for, inter alia, approval of on-board safety equipment.

Summary of the third session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR)

The IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) held its third session from 15 to 19 February 2016.

The Sub-Committee elected Mr. S. Oftedal (Norway) as Chairman and Dr. F. Fernandes (Brazil) as ViceChairman for 2017.

Among the main issues considered at the meeting were the following:

Sulphur

Bunker delivery note

The PPR Sub-Committee made a proposal for an amendment of the bunker delivery note. The amendment will make it possible for ships fitted with a scrubber to buy fuel with a high sulphur content after 2020, when the global limit value of 0.5 per cent is expected to enter into force.

Guidelines for fuel oil sampling

The PPR Sub-Committee agreed on Guidelines for onboard sampling and verification of the fuel oil used on board ships. Common Guidelines are important to ensure efficient enforcement of the sulphur regulations, especially in SECAs.

A number of countries, including Panama, Russia, India and Iran – supported by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – wanted fuel oil sampling to take place only when there is specific suspicion that a ship is not in compliance with the sulphur regulations ("clear grounds"). The Guidelines are, however, as proposed by the EU member States, limited to a technical description of how and where oil sampling should take place.

The Guidelines are to be presented to MEPC 70 with a view to approval.

Black carbon

Germany and Euromot had submitted a proposal for a protocol for voluntary reporting of black carbon measurement studies. There was general agreement that more experience was needed in order to further develop the protocol, but that the proposal (with a few technical amendments) was suitable for harmonised reporting of black carbon measurement studies carried out by means of various measurement methods. The PPR Sub-Committee urged everyone performing black carbon measurements to use the protocol, if possible, to perform parallel measurements by means of different measurement instruments and to increase cooperation and the exchange of experiences.

Exhaust gas recirculation

One of the methods for meeting the stricter Tier III NOx requirements for new diesel engines used in NOx ECAs is to recirculate some of the exhaust gas to the suction air (Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)). During this process, the recirculated exhaust gas is cooled, whereby the water vapour generated during the combustion condensates. Denmark had – together with Germany and Japan – submitted a proposal for MEPC 68 on the treatment of this water. This proposal was considered by a working group that agreed about the principles of the proposal, though some unsolved issues remained which need further clarification. This will be done by a correspondence group until the next session of the Sub-Committee (PPR 4).

Catalytic converters

As part of compliance with the NOx Code, the IMO has previously drawn up guidelines on the design of catalytic converters (Selective Catalytic Reduction). At this meeting, a number of "Unified Interpretations" were considered and, due to the extent of these, it was agreed to propose that the Marine Environment Protection Committee should include a new agenda item on a revision of the Guidelines on the design of catalytic converters for the next session of the Sub-Committee.

Code for the transport and handing of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (the OSV Chemical Code)

PPR 3 continued its work on the Code in a working group – based on input from the SDC, SSE and CCC Sub-Committees as well as the work done by a correspondence group. They succeeded in going through the entire Code, which will now be forwarded to yet another correspondence group with a view to finalisation at PPR 4. In order to give the group as much time for work as possible, a written report was not drawn up for this meeting, for which reason the report will be forwarded to PPR 4.

Ballast water

The group continued working on the coming IMO report "How to do it" on the Ballast Water Management Convention. The report is to provide an overview of the contents of the Convention. Focus is on clarifying what the IMO regulations and guidelines will mean in case of ratification, especially for small member States and Administrations.

High-viscosity products (paraffin)

The issue was considered by the PPR Working Group on Evaluation of Safety and Pollution Hazards of Chemicals (ESPH). Tank washing in connection with paraffin cargoes (high-viscosity products) was considered. The desire to find new solutions in order to continuously reduce emissions enjoyed great support, and a number of adjustments of the regulations were being debated, including the possibility of only performing tank washings in port and not during voyages. Taking account of the great focus on especially paraffin products, the hope is that, in the future, fewer pollution incidents will occur along the coasts. The work will be continued at PPR 4.

Summary of the 2nd session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) held in London from 14 to 18 September 2015

IGF Code

In June, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted the new code for ships fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the so-called IGF Code (Code of safety for ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels). Initially, the Code contains requirements for the construction of ships using natural gas as fuel, but there was general agreement that it could be relevant to incorporate also other types of low-flashpoint fuels.

Consequently, the CCC Sub-Committee was tasked with considering the possibilities of using other lowflashpoint fuels on the basis of the IGF Code. So far, products such as methanol and ethanol are included, but also "fuel cells" using natural gas and diesel oil with a low flashpoint are included.

A number of issues still remain unsolved, for which reason the CCC Sub-Committee decided to continue its work in a correspondence group until its next session in September 2016.

Bulk cargoes

In connection with a tragic accident in January 2015, the Bahamas registered bulk carrier BULK JUPITER foundered on the high seas off Vietnam. The marine accident investigation shows that the ship was presumably lost because the cargo consisting of "bauxite fines" changed its nature from a solid substance to a viscous mass due to a rather large liquid content.

In order to ensure awareness about the risks related to these types of cargoes, the Sub-Committee, as a first step, developed and approved an IMO circular reflecting the risk of carrying "bauxite fines" by bulk carriers. In addition, it was decided at the meeting to establish a correspondence group to debate the dangers and risks related to the carriage of "bauxite fines" with a view to incorporating guidelines for the safe transport hereof into the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (the IMSBC Code).

Summary of the 114th session of the IMO Council

The Council held its 114th session in London from 29 June to 3 July 2015. The Danish Maritime Authority participated as Denmark's official representative.

Among the most important issues considered were the following:

New Secretary-General of the IMO

Since the present Secretary-General, Mr. Koji Sekimizu, had chosen not to run again, the Council elected a new Secretary-General. Among the six candidates for the post – including Director General Andreas Nordseth of the Danish Maritime Authority – Mr. Lim Ki-tack from South Korea was elected. The IMO Assembly is to formally confirm the election. Subsequently, Mr. Lim Ki-tack is expected to take up the post on 1 January 2016; he has been elected for a four-year term until 2020, with the possibility of having the term extended for another four years.

Optimization of the IMO strategic steering instruments

The recommendations of an external consultant had been considered by a working group that had met during the days prior to the Council meeting. On the basis of this, the Council adopted an action plan for optimization of the IMO strategic work. The work includes, inter alia, the wording of a vision for the IMO, new performance indicators as well as a re-writing of the IMO strategic plan. The revision must be finalized so that it can be implemented in 2018.

Budget

The Council approved the Secretary-General's budget proposal for 2016-2017, covering a total of £92.1m. In general, the Member States expressed wide support for the initiatives launched by the Secretary-General to tighten the budget of the Organization and keep down the Member States' contributions.

International Maritime Prize 2014

The Council decided to award the Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, the International Maritime Prize. Mr. Sasakawa had been nominated by the Japanese government.

Bravery Award 2015

The Council agreed with the recommendation of the Panel of Judges and decided to award Aviation Survival Technician Christopher Leon from the USA the annual IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for his courageous actions saving four men from a sinking rowing boat. Mr. Leon will be receiving the Bravery Award at a ceremony held during the Assembly meeting to be held in November 2015. Furthermore, the Council decided to give special recognition to all merchant vessels involved in the rescue of migrants.

Recognition of Mr. Sekimizu

As is custom when IMO Secretary-Generals withdraw, the Council approved a resolution recognising the contributions made by Mr. Sekimizu as Secretary-General. At the Assembly meeting to be held in November, the resolution is to be adopted. A united Council and several observers took this opportunity to warmly thank Mr. Sekimizu for his outstanding contribution as Secretary-General.

Summary of SSE 2

The Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) held its second session in London from 23 to 27 March 2015. SSE 2 elected Dr. S. Ota (Japan) as its Chairman and Mr. U. Senturk (Turkey) as its ViceChairman for 2016. Among the most interesting issues considered at the meeting were the following:

Inspection of life-saving appliances

MSC 93 had requested the Sub-Committee to make a number of minor adjustments, due to inconsistencies, of the definitions in the new draft regulations on inspections of ships' life-saving appliances annually and every five years. However, SSE 2 did not succeed in reaching agreement and, consequently, the issue was forwarded to MSC 95 in order for this Committee to decide on a way forward.

Inspection of automatic sprinkler systems

The Bahamas had made MSC 94 aware that, in connection with periodic inspections of automatic sprinkler systems on board passenger ships, they had found serious defects in a large number of the systems tested. Therefore, the MSC had requested SSE 2 to draw up a proposal for specific measures to counter this. SSE 2 made a proposal for revising the guidelines for the maintenance of fire-extinguishing systems and corrections to the requirements of the FSS Code. These are now to be approved by MSC 95 in June this year.

Ventilation of vehicle spaces

SSE 2 finalised the revision of the guidelines on ventilation of vehicle spaces on board ships. Investigations had previously shown that major savings could be gained from ventilating when needed based on measurements of the air quality rather than ventilating by means of constant air changes. The revised guidelines on vehicle space ventilation were forwarded to MSC 95 for approval along with a revised draft for the FSS Code containing requirements related to fire-fighting on helicopter platforms as well as a draft performance standard for smoke management systems.

Lifting appliances

On the basis of the scrutiny of data on accidents with lifting appliances carried out by a correspondence group, SSE 2 considered the need for mandatory regulations hereon as well as which types of lifting appliances should be covered by these regulations. MSC 95 is to debate how this issued is to be further considered.

Revision of the MODU Code

In 2010, the drilling rig DEEP WATER HORIZON exploded and foundered. 11 persons lost their lives in the accident and it resulted in extensive oil spillage in the Gulf of Mexico. As a follow-up on the accident, SSE 2 considered any possible IMO measures that could be taken. The Sub-Committee established a correspondence group tasked with drafting proposals for revisions of the MODU Code on the basis of the recommendations emanating from the investigation. The work is expected to be finalised in 2016.

Summary of NCSR 2

The IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) held its second session from 9 to 13 March 2015 under the chairmanship of Mr. Carlos Salgado Riveros (Chile) and with Mr. Ringo Lakemann (the Netherlands) as the Vice-Chairman. The Sub-Committee elected Mr. Ringo Lakemann (the Netherlands) as Chairman and Mr. Nigel Clifford (New Zealand) as the Vice-Chairman for 2016.

Among the interesting issues considered were the following:

Routeing systems and other routeing measures as well as e-navigation

The Sub-Committee approved proposals for the following routeing measures, etc.:

• New two-way route in the south-west Coral Sea at Australia.
• Establishment of a new area to be avoided in the south-west Coral Sea at Australia.
• Establishment of five new areas to be avoided in the region of the Aleutian Islands.

Subsequently, the routeing measures are to be adopted by MSC 95 this June and are expected to enter into force six months later.

In addition, a proposal was considered for a new circular on Guidelines on Software Quality Assurance and Human Centred Design for e-navigation.

Long-range identification and tracking of ships (LRIT)

Proposals were considered for amendments of the technical performance standards, etc. of the shore-based part of the LRIT system.

New performance standard for a multi-system navigation receiver

Agreement was reached about a standard for a multi-system navigation receiver that would be capable of receiving existing and coming global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) as well as at least one available terrestrial system.

Debate on recognition of the Iridium satellite communication system in GMDSS as well as modernisation of GMDSS – distress, fire and safety communication for ships

The NCSR Sub-Committee continued its work, including on the issue of the interoperability related to coordinated transmission of distress-relay and maritime safety information (MSI) from shore to ship by means of satellite systems.

The first detailed presentation of the GMDSS modernisation was considered preliminarily and subsequently referred to a correspondence group.

Finally, certain radio-technical issues were debated related to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Issues related to search and rescue (SAR)

The NCSR Sub-Committee considered a number of specific issues, including the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR) and the report from the recent meeting of the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group (JWG).

The decisions made at the NCSR session are to be adopted at the coming session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 95), which will be held from 3 to 12 June 2015.

Summary of SDC 2

The Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) held its second session in London from 16 to 20 February 2015. SDC elected Mr. Kevin Hunter (UK) as Chairman and Mrs. Turid Stemre (Norway) as Vice-Chairman for 2016.

Danish proposal to revise the Guidelines for the application of plastic pipes on ships

SDC 2 approved a Danish proposal to amend the guiding test standards for plastic pipes on ships (resolution A.753(18)). The amendments mean that the test standards now refer to the provisions of the FTP Code. In addition, it is now a requirement that, in vertical pipes, melted plastic inside the pipe must not present a risk of fire in adjacent spaces. Furthermore, the Sub-Committee debated the need to make the amended test standards mandatory as a consequence of the fact that more plastic pipes than previously are used on ships. However, it was not agreed to make the standards mandatory at this point in time. The guidelines were forwarded to MSC 95 for adoption.

Offshore anchor handling

On the basis of, inter alia, a considerable Danish contribution SDC 2 finalised draft new regulations on the stability of offshore ships involved in anchor handling operations. The draft new regulations will be forwarded to MSC 95 with a view to becoming a part of the Intact Stability Code. The regulations were drawn up, inter alia, on the basis of a serious accident in Norway in 2007 with the offshore anchor handling vessel BOURBON DOLPHIN, in which several seafarers died. The purpose of the new provisions is to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Wind farm/offshore vessels

SDC 2 drafted an MSC circular defining “industrial personnel”. “Industrial personnel” is a person who is safety trained, medically fit and who is carried by ships in connection with offshore activities. The circular clarifies that this category of personnel is not considered a crew member. At the same time, “industrial personnel” falls beyond the existing SOLAS definition of a passenger. The MSC circular is forwarded to MSC 95 for approval. It was decided that a correspondence group should continue the work developing guiding ship standards for offshore vessels until the next session of the SDC Sub-Committee.

Use of FRP (fibre reinforced plastic) in ships

As the coordinator of – and to a high degree the driver behind – the correspondence group on the use of FRP in ships, Sweden had submitted a very comprehensive proposal for guidelines in this area, which Denmark has also contributed to developing. It must be ascertained that – due to the fire risk – there is still much international scepticism as regards the use of composite materials for the design of ships. However, the work of the correspondence group was well received and recognised for its technical quality. SDC 2 concluded that individual countries can approve that ships are constructed in full or partly by composite materials. But, it was also emphasised that very comprehensive investigations must be carried out in each individual case and that it cannot be expected that an approval granted by one country will be recognised by another country in connection with a change of flag. The draft interim guidelines were forwarded to MSC 95 for approval.

Regulations on which watertight doors may be left open during voyages

The Sub-Committee approved a proposal by the USA and Canada that involves a tightening of which watertight doors may be left open during voyages. The regulations applicable to existing ships were not amended on this occasion, but there was a general view that it is also necessary to do something about this issue, and it must be expected that new proposals will be presented within the next couple of years involving a tightening for existing ships. The draft revised guidance was forwarded to MSC 95 for approval.

Summary of HTW 2

The IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) held its second session from 2 to 6 February 2015. The Sub-Committee elected Mr. Bradley Groves (Australia) as Chairman and Ms. Mayte Medina (United States) as Vice-Chairman for 2016.

Among the main items on the agenda were the following:

Training of seafarers operating in polar areas

HTW 2 agreed on a proposal for chapter V of the STCW Convention on training requirements for seafarers navigating ships in polar waters. The proposal includes, inter alia, requirements for the seafarers to acquire an improved understanding of the limitations to the crew, ship and equipment applicable when operating in cold and desolate areas, with poor or no infrastructure in case of, for example, accidents and pollution. The training requirements will now be forwarded to MSC 95 for approval.

In general, it is expected that the requirements will become effective from the turn of the year 2018, but the countries are urged to act faster so that the provisions apply already when the Polar Code as such enters into force in January 2017.

Stricter survey requirements

The HTW Sub-Committee debated how to act vis-à-vis seafarers who could not meet the stricter survey requirements of the STCW Convention after the 2010 revision. The Sub-Committee clarified that the current provisions of the STCW Code, section A-I/9, paragraph 1, already took account of this complex of problems. According to the Code, regard should be paid to seafarers who had initiated their careers before the new survey requirements took effect upon renewal of their health certificates so that already active seafarers were not unnecessarily punished due to the stricter survey regulations.

Consolidation of ECDIS-related IMO circulars

HTW 2 went through and adjusted a draft MSC circular on ECDIS – Guidance for good practice – that is a consolidation of all circulars concerning ECDIS. The circular was especially scrutinised as regards the training and education requirements, but also in order to ensure a homogeneous terminology throughout the document. The proposal is now forwarded to MSC 95 for approval.

Safety training on passenger ships

As a consequence of recent years’ accidents on board passenger ships, the Sub-Committee went through the STCW provisions on passenger-specific safety training in order to ascertain whether the requirements should be increased or revised on the basis of the recent experiences gained. There was a profitable discussion of how and who should be covered by the new regulations on passenger-specific safety training. But it was not possible to reach agreement, and consequently the consideration of this issue will be continued at HTW 3.

IMO model courses

The following IMO model courses were finalised by the Sub-Committee:

• Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations,
• Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations, and
• Maritime English.

The HTW Sub-Committee established a correspondence group tasked with finalising Advanced Training for Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations. The work revising the Engine-Room Simulator Model Course as well as the process optimising the validation of the model courses will be continued at HTW 3.

Summary of PPR 2

From 19 to 23 January 2015, the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) held its 2nd session.

The Sub-Committee elected Mr. S. Oftedal (Norway) as Chairman and Dr. F. Fernandes (Brazil) as ViceChairman for 2016.

Among the main agenda items were the following:

Guidelines for the use of scrubbers

On the basis of an EU submission, a number of challenges and issues were considered related to the installation and approval of scrubbers in accordance with the existing guidelines. The Sub-Committee agreed that, in the future, it should be possible to verify compliance with the washwater criteria for pH by means of flow calculations. This amendment was forwarded to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for approval.

The NOx Code

The stricter sulphur requirements that became effective at the turn of the year have created an increased demand for gas-fuelled engines. These engines are also, for certain types of engines, capable of meeting the future Tier III NOx requirements that will apply in NOx emission control areas. The PPR Sub-Committee drew up a proposal for a revision of the NOx Code. In addition to diesel engines, this proposal will also include gas-fuelled engines. The draft Code as well as an associated draft circular were forwarded to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for approval.

Catalytic converters

As part of compliance with the NOx Code, the IMO has previously drawn up guidelines on the design of catalytic converters (Selective Catalytic Reduction). PPR 2 agreed to a minor amendment of these guidelines, clarifying how to calculate emissions from engines with catalytic converters. The amendment was forwarded to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for approval.

Code for the transport and handling of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances (OSV Chemical Code)

PPR 1 had forwarded draft chapters for the OSV Chemical Code to the SDC and SSE Sub-Committees. But since these chapters had not yet been considered by these Sub-Committees, work on the Code was unofficially continued, while the Plenary was closed. Work on the OSV Code will be continued by a correspondence group under Danish chairmanship.

Ballast water management

Denmark had placed the issue of exemptions and equivalents under the Ballast Water Management Convention on the agenda by forwarding two submissions to this session of the Sub-Committee. The proposals were well received, and it was decided to ask the MEPC to include an item on the PPR agenda for their consideration. Thus, this work will be continued at PPR 3.

On the fringes of PPR 2, work was continued amending the guidelines on type approval of ballast water management systems – the so-called G8 guidelines. There was general agreement that the experience gained from the American legislation on type approval could advantageously be scrutinised, inter alia as regards the requirements for testing the functioning of ballast water management systems in various saline areas and at various temperatures. The work will be continued by the correspondence group, which will report to next session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee - MEPC 68.

Black carbon

The PPR Sub-Committee agreed to define black carbon on the basis of Bond et al., as proposed by Canada. This definition was considered suitable because it had been scientifically accepted and did not exclude any measuring methods. It was also agreed that there was a need for voluntary measuring projects with a view to identifying the most appropriate reduction technologies because great uncertainty was related to the various measuring instruments.

Report of Conclusions - 94^th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 94) 17 to 21 November 2014

Chairman: Mr. Christian Breinholt (Denmark)

Vice-Chairman: Capt. M. Segar (Singapore) 

MSC 94 adopted the following amendments to IMO instruments:

1. Amendments to the SOLAS Convention (resolution MSC.380(94))

Entry into force: 1 July 2016.

Chapter II-2 – Construction – Protection, fire detection and fire extinction
In Part C on “Suppression of fire”, regulation 10 on “Fire fighting”, the title of paragraph 5.2 is changed to “Machinery spaces of category A containing internal combustion machinery” to specify the application to machinery spaces of category A only.

Chapter VI – Carriage of cargoes and fuel oils
In Part A on “General provisions”, regulation 2 on “Cargo information”, new paragraphs 4-6 are added after the existing paragraph 3 to require mandatory verification of the gross mass of containers.

Chapter XI-1 – Special measures to enhance maritime safety
A new regulation 7 on “Atmosphere testing instruments for enclosed spaces” is added after the exist- ing regulation 6 to require ships to carry an appropriate atmosphere testing instrument or instruments, capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, prior to entry into enclosed spaces.

Appendix – Certificates
Section 2 on “Details of life-saving appliances” of the Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety (Form C) and the Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety (Form E) is amended due to incon- sistencies in the records of equipment under SOLAS (lack of an entry for the total number of persons accommodated by free-fall lifeboats).

2. Amendments to the SOLAS Convention (resolution MSC.386(94))

Entry into force: 1 January 2017.

Chapter XIV – Safety measures for ships operating in Polar waters
A new chapter with regulation 1 on “Definitions”, regulation 2 on “Application”, regulation 3 on “Re- quirements for ships to which this chapter applies”, and regulation 4 on “Alternative design and ar- rangement” is added to make the safety-related parts of the Polar Code (Introduction and Part I-A) mandatory.

3. Amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Sur- veys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code) (resolution MSC.381(94))

Entry into force: 1 July 2016.

Annex A, Part A – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk car- riers having single-side skin construction
Various amendments to update the Code, including addition of a new paragraph on rescue and emer- gency response equipment in relation to breathing apparatus.

Annex A, Part B – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk car- riers having double-side skin construction
Various amendments to update the Code, including addition of a new paragraph on rescue and emer- gency response equipment in relation to breathing apparatus.

Annex B, Part A – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of double- hull oil tankers
Various amendments to update the Code, including revisions to the minimum requirements for cargo tank testing.

Annex B, Part B – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of oil tank- ers other than double-hull oil tankers
Various amendments to update the Code, including revisions to the minimum requirements for cargo tank testing.

4. Adoption of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) (resolution MSC.385(94))

Entry into force: 1 January 2017

Adoption of the new Polar Code, applicable to cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and above and pas- senger ships operating in polar waters, with the following contents: “Introduction”, “Part I-A – Safety measures”, “Part I-B – Additional guidance regarding the provisions of the introduction and Part I-A”, “Part II-A – Pollution prevention measures” and “Part II-B – Information and additional guidance to Part II-A”.

5. Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code) (resolution MSC.382(94))

Entry into force: 1 July 2016.

Chapter 15 – Special measures to enhance safety
Addition of a new chapter on an atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces, to require MODUs to carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments, capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, prior to entry into enclosed spaces.

6. Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 (1989 MODU Code) (resolution MSC.383(94))

Entry into force: 1 July 2016.

Chapter 15 – Special measures to enhance safety
Addition of a new chapter on an atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces, to require MODUs to carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments, capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, prior to entry into enclosed spaces.

7. Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 (2009 MODU Code) (resolution MSC.384(94))

Entry into force: 1 July 2016.

Chapter 15 – Special measures to enhance safety
Addition of a new chapter on an atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces, to require MODUs to carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments, capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, prior to entry into enclosed spaces.

8. Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 (2009 MODU Code) (resolution MSC.387(94))

Chapter 14 – Operations
Addition of a new subparagraph .3 in paragraph 14.12.4 on “Practice musters and drills”, allowing al- ternative procedures for lifeboat drills on MODUs.

MSC 94 adopted the following resolutions:

MSC 94 approved the following circulars:

Other circulars:

Report of Conclusions - 67^th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 67) 13 to 17 October 2014

Chairman: Mr. Arsenio Dominguez (Panama)

Vice-chairman: Dr. Naomi Parker (New Zealand) 

MEPC 67 adopted the following amendments to IMO instruments:

1. Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (resolution MEPC.256(67))
   
   Entry into force: 1 March 2016.
   
   Annex I
   Amendment to regulation 43 related to the “Special requirements for the use or carriage of oils in the Antarctic area” to prohibit ships from carrying heavy grade oil on board as ballast for use as fuel out- side the Antarctic area.
   
   
2. Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (resolution MEPC.257(67))
   
   Entry into force: 1 March 2016.
   
   Annex III
   Consequential amendment, in relation to the latest amendments to the IMDG Code, to the Appendix related to “Criteria for the identification of harmful substances in packaged form” to ensure harmon- ization with other modes of transport with respect to the exclusion of class 7 material from Marine Pollutants/Environmentally Hazardous Substances requirements.
   
   
3. Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (resolution MEPC.258(67))
   
   Entry into force: 1 March 2016.
   
   Annex VI
   Amendments to regulations 2 (“Definitions”) and 13 (“Nitrogen oxides (NOx)”) and Appendix I (“Supplement to the IAPP Certificate”) regarding engines solely fuelled by gaseous fuels.

MEPC 67 adopted the following resolutions: 

MEPC 67 approved the following circulars:

Summary of FAL 39

The 39th session of the IMO Facilitation Committee was held in the period 22 to 26 September 2014. The most important results were the following:

Approval of amendments to the FAL Convention

Since 2010 the FAL Committee has been engaged in an update of the Convention and this work has now been finalised. The update involves a wide number of minor adjustments as well as important modernisations, including:

• National authorities must establish mandatory systems making it possible to handle formalities in connection with port calls and departures electronically.
• In the future, ships’ mandatory passenger lists must always contain visa numbers. This will make the procedures in connection with border control considerable easier.

The amendments were approved at FAL 39 and are expected to be adopted in 18 months at FAL 40.

Guidelines on electronic ship certificates

The FAL Committee approved ’Guidelines for the use of electronic certificates’, recommending that port States, etc. accept electronic certificates on a par with traditional paper certificates. With these guidelines at hand, it will be considerably easier for ships to use electronic certificates, just as they are used by still more flag States and other certifying institutions.

Debate on training requirements for mooring personnel

The FAL Committee debated a possible update of the ’Guidelines for minimum training and education for mooring personnel’ with a view to promoting improved training and education of mooring personnel. This issue is a Danish key issue due to the potentially risky working conditions during mooring operations, which require a certain minimum of training and education. However, agreement could not be reached at FAL 39 and the issue will therefore be considered again at FAL 40 to be held in 2016.

Cyber security

This issue of great immediate interest was debated intensively on the basis of a Canadian proposal to draw up IMO guidelines in order to increase cyber security. The proposal was met with support in principle, but it remains to be clarified which Committee is to bring the case onwards. The MSC will be considering a similar proposal in 2015 and, if it becomes relevant, the FAL Committee will resume the work at its next session. Denmark generally supports measures taken to increase cyber security

Summary of CCC 1

The first session of the new Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers – CCC) was held from 8 to 12 September 2014.

Bulk cargoes

At the meeting, a wide number of amendments to the so-called IMSBC Code (International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code) were considered with a view to being incorporated into the coming revised edition of the Code, which is expected to enter into force in 2016. In this connection, the environmentally harmful properties of several of these bulk products were also considered.

The purpose is to map these harmful properties, partly so that the ships are aware of them when disposing of cargo residues, partly so that the host ports can ensure that the necessary reception facilities are available.

There was general agreement that this information would further the user friendliness of the IMSBC Code, for which reason a number of draft recommendations hereon were drawn up.

As a more long-term solution, it would, however, be appropriate to seek to amend the MARPOL Convention so that the environmental classification could be included as a mandatory part of the IMSBC Code.

Consequently, the Sub-Committee informed the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of its deliberations with a view to it potentially considering launching this work.

Gas fuelled ships

At the meeting, the Sub-Committee agreed on a new draft Code for LNG fuelled ships, the so-called IGF Code (Code of safety for ships using gases or other low flash-point fuels). The Code contains, inter alia, design instructions for the correct location of fuel tanks, fire-technical measures as well as requirements for additional protection of the machinery space. The draft was submitted to the MSC for approval.

At the meeting, it was agreed to continue working on the incorporation of more alternative fuels into the IGF Code, and with a view to this a correspondence group was established to continue considerations on, firstly, the incorporation of methanol, ethanol, “fuel cells” and diesel oil with a low flash-point into the Code.

This work could also be extended with other types of fuels if specific proposals hereon are submitted to the Sub-Committee.

Summary of III 1

The first session of the new IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) was held from 14 to 18 July 2014. In 2013, the Assembly adopted a restructuring of the IMO Sub-Committees involving a change of the name of the FSI Sub-Committee to the III Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee elected D. Hutchinson (the Bahamas) as Chairman and J. Gascon (Canada) as Vice-Chairman for 2014 and 2015.

Among the main items on the agenda of the meeting were the following:

Electronic ship certificates

Occasioned by MSC 92, the Interim Guidelines for use of printed versions of electronic certificates, FAL.5/Circ.39, was debated. The initiatives taken by Denmark to develop and promote the use of electronic certificates were noted. The PSC regimes took part in the debate and informed that the obstacles to the acceptance of electronic certificates were often caused by national legislation and verification of the validity of certificates. The Sub-Committee noted the challenges that are still met, but supported the ongoing development and urged the PSC regimes, and thus the member States, to fully accept printed electronic certificates.

PSC on ballast water management

The Ballast Water Management Convention was approved in 2004, but has not yet entered into force. In order for the Convention to take effect, it needs to be ratified by 30 member States, representing a minimum of 35 per cent of the world merchant fleet tonnage. At present, a mere 4.75 per cent tonnage is still needed. The III Sub-Committee finalized Guidelines on port State control under the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention, which were submitted for approval by MEPC 67. Since a lack of guidelines and procedures partly contributes to member States’ hesitant attitude, the result is an important step towards the final implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention.

In addition, the Sub-Committee finalized the following:

• An HSSC update (Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification);
• Approval of IACS Unified Interpretations on keel laying date for Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) craft;
• Drafting of PSC Guidelines on Certification of Seafarers and on Hours of Rest and PSC Guidelines related to the ISM Code; and
• A presentation and analysis of the marine accident report on the Costa Concordia accident for further consideration by MSC 94.

Summary of NCSR 1

As part of an effectivization process, the IMO has previously decided to merge the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV) with the Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue (COMSAR) with effect from 2014. The new Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue (NCSR), thus, held its first session from 30 June to 4 July 2014 under the chairmanship of Carlos Salgado Riveros from Chile, and with Ringo Lakemann from the Netherlands as the vice-chairman (and with the participation of a wide number of member States, intergovernmental organizations and NGOs.)

Among the more interesting agenda items were the following:

Routeing systems, other routeing measures and ship reporting systems

The Sub-Committee approved a number of proposals for new and amended routeing systems, etc., including an amendment of the routeing system “Off Friesland” in the Northern Netherland part of the North Sea. These amendments in Netherland waters consisted in amendments to the existing traffic separation scheme, the establishment of a new traffic separation scheme, new areas to be avoided (ATBA), amendments to the deep-water route in the system as well as a few minor adjustments of the existing mandatory tanker route.

In addition, the following routeing proposals as well as other routeing measures were approved:

• Amendments to the traffic separation scheme (TSS) in the Strait of Gibraltar as well as the adjacent
  precautionary area and the south-western inshore traffic zone (ITZ), including anchorage areas.
• Amendments to the traffic separation scheme (TSS) Chengshan Jiao at China.
• Amendments to the two-way route in the Great North-East Channel at Australia.
• New two-way route and precautionary area at Jomard Entrance, Papua New Guinea.
• Cancellation of an area to be avoided in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

The routeing measures are to be adopted by MSC 94 in November 2014 and are expected to enter into force in mid-2015.

A proposal from China to amend the mandatory ship reporting system (SRS) Off Chengshan Jiao Promontory was also considered and approved.

New and amended routeing measures, etc. are listed in the next issue of the IMO publication “Ships’ Routeing”.

Finally, Turkey had forwarded information about national traffic separation schemes that had been introduced in Iskenderun Bay, Izmir Bay and Candarli Bay as well as a two-way route in Nemrut Bays.

Supplementary consideration of the Polar Code

The IMO’s prolonged work on the Polar Code was approved at the latest session of the MSC (MSC 93). At the meeting, it was also decided to forward a few questions on navigation and communication for a last expert debate and consultation in the NCSR Sub-Committee. This work was finalized and the result was submitted to MSC 94 with a view to final adoption of the part of the Code related to safety of navigation.

Issues on the use of ECDIS and the operational use of AIS

In recent years, the IMO has drawn up a number of circulars containing guidance on the use of ECDIS equipment and ENC, etc. Consequently, it was now decided to give the users an improved overview by including some of these circulars in a new consolidated circular “ECDIS – Guidance for good practice”. Furthermore, work was continued on a revision of the guidelines for the onboard operational use of AIS. Both tasks were finalized at this session of the NCSR Sub-Committee.

The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) et al. informed about updated standards for ECDIS software as well as about the progress made extending ENC covered areas.

New standards for navigation receivers

The former NAV Sub-Committee had finalized its work on a performance standard for the new Chinese satellite navigation system BeiDou (BDS), which was a parallel to similar systems from the USA (GPS), Russia (GLONASS) and Europe (Galileo). At this meeting, BeiDou (BDS) was formally approved for maritime use in the World-Wide Radionavigation System (WWRNS).

Furthermore, work was initiated on a performance standard for a multi-navigation receiver. Such a navigation receiver would be capable of receiving all satellite navigation systems (GNSS) and receiving terrestrial navigation systems, such as Loran. Following a general debate on this issue, it was decided to continue the technical work at the next session of the NCSR Sub-Committee.

e-navigation

As the coordinator of the work on e-navigation, Norway had submitted a proposal for a “Strategic Implementation Plan” (SIP). This was considered at the end of the session and forwarded to the MSC with a view to approval. Subsequently, the member States could forward proposals to the MSC to proceed with the individual parts of the SIP.

A correspondence group was established in order to consider a few technical issues and present a report to the next meeting.

Application for recognition of the Iridium satellite communication system in GMDSS

The USA had forwarded an application for GMDSS approval of Iridium as an alternative to the current sole system provider Inmarsat. Whereas Inmarsat is a geostationary system covering up to 76° N/S, Iridium is a global system making it possible to cover the polar regions as an alternative to short-wave radiotelephony.

The application received general support, but at the same time there was some awareness about the reservations that had been expressed by several attendees as regards compliance with the specific technical requirements for satellite providers in GMDSS, inter alia in connection with spare satellites, shore-based networks in connection with search and rescue (SAR) and the transmission of navigation warnings, etc. Thus, it was essential to acquire assurance that a distress alert transmitted from a ship in distress would always be replied by the required system.

It was decided to forward the application to the MSC in order to have an expert panel evaluate the application in conjunction with the specific requirements made on satellite providers in GMDSS, whereafter the NCSR Sub-Committee could reconsider the application.

Modernisation of GMDSS – distress, urgency and safety communication for ships

The work modernizing GMDSS continued as planned and now the “High-level review” had been finalized laying down the overall frames of a modernized GMDSS. In this connection, it had been agreed that the GMDSS was in principle a robust system that ensured the availability to global shipping of the core functions of distress, urgency and safety communication and that the system should, therefore, continue as is, but with the necessary amendments of detailed provisions.

At this meeting, the work on the “Detailed review” of the GMDSS was initiated, which was considered to be extensive and, therefore, it was recommended to prolong the work on the GMDSS modernization by one year until 2018.

In connection with the modernization of the GMDSS, the IMO has a considerable cooperation with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which determines the allocation of frequencies as well as the provisions of the Radio Regulations to which the GMDSS procedures are subjected. Consequently, an important part of the work consists in forwarding contributions from the IMO to the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) held every third year. (Furthermore, there was interaction between possible proposals from e-navigation that should be coordinated in connection with the work on the
GMDSS modernization.)

Other issues related to maritime radiocommunication and safety information (MSI)

Reports were given by several international coordinating bodies: inter alia by the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) on Inmarsat; by the CospasSarsat satellite organisation (EPIRBs) on the system status; by the international NAVTEX panel on status; and by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) on the Worldwide Navigational Warning Service Sub-Committee (WWNWS-SC).

In addition, amendments to the International Maritime Safety Information (MSI) Manual were considered.

Issues related to search and rescue – SAR

The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual was considered in conjunction with the report from the latest meeting of the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group (JWG). This body for the work on and coordination of search and rescue in United Nations’ aviation and maritime organizations meets on an annual basis and is an important forum that considers SAR global issues, including regular updates of the IAMSAR manual, evaluations of major search and rescue operations, SAR guidelines, recommendations and proposals related to SAR equipment, etc. (These issues are permanent items on the NCSR agenda, where they are considered on an ongoing basis.)

Long-range identification and tracking of ships (LRIT)

A number of submissions had been forwarded under this agenda item, inter alia from the EU Commission since the EU operates the International Data Exchange (IDE) between LRIT data centres for the IMO and operates the regional European LRIT data centre. The EU has, thus, acquired great insight into and experience with LRIT. Against, inter alia, this background, the EU Commission had, initially, submitted a proposal for an update of the LRIT system and for enhanced use of it, for example, for search and rescue (SAR) purposes. This was noted and the submitter was urged to formally submit the proposal to the MSC.

The International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) is, inter alia, tasked with auditing LRIT data centres and the IDE, and a report on the audits performed last year had been forwarded.

Any decisions made at the meeting are to be presented for adoption at the next session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 94), which will be held from 17 to 21 November 2014.

Report of Conclusions - 93rd session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 93) 14 to 23 May 2014

Chairman: Mr. Christian Breinholt (Denmark)
Vice-Chairman: Capt. M. Segar (Singapore)

MSC 93 adopted the following amendments to IMO instruments:

Amendments to the SOLAS Convention (resolution MSC.365(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter II-1 – Construction – Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations
In Part C on “Machinery installations”, regulation 29 on “Steering gear”, new text is added to paragraphs 3.2 and 4.2 concerning requirements for steering-gear trials.

Chapter II-2 – Construction – Protection, fire detection and fire extinction
Amendments are made to regulation 1 (Application) and a new regulation 20-1 is added concerning requirements for ships carrying hydrogen and compressed natural gas vehicles for new ships.

Amendments are made to regulation 4 (Probability of ignition) and a new paragraph is inserted in regulation 16 (Operations) concerning inert gas systems for new tankers.

Amendments are made to regulation 3 (Definitions) and regulation 9 (Containment of fire) concerning fire resistance of ventilation ducts for new ships.

Amendments to regulation 10 (Firefighting) concerning fire protection requirements for on-deck cargo areas for new ships.

Amendments to regulation 13 (Means of escape) concerning additional means of escape from machinery spaces for new passenger and cargo ships.

Amendments to the SOLAS Convention (resolution MSC.366(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter XIII – Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention
A new chapter is added, making the requirements of the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) mandatory and making its recommendations non-mandatory.

Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) (resolution MSC.367(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter 15 – Inert gas systems
Replacement of existing chapter 15 concerning inert gas systems for new ships.

Amendments to the International life-saving appliances (LSA) Code (resolution MSC.368(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter II – Personal life-saving appliances
Amendments of section 2.2 on ”Lifejackets” concerning lifejacket reference test devices (RTDs).

Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) (resolution MSC.369(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

In chapter 1 (General), new definitions are inserted of “purging” and “gas-freeing”; in chapter 2 (Ship survival capability and location of cargo tanks), amendments are made to section 2.2 (Freeboard and stability) related, inter alia, to mandatory carriage requirements for stability instruments on board tankers; in chapter 8 (Cargo tank venting and gas-freeing arrangements) a new paragraph is inserted on “Cargo tank purging”; in addition, amendments are made to chapter 9 (Environmental control), chapter 11 (Fire protection and fire extinction), chapter 15 (Special requirements), chapter 17 (Summary of minimum requirements) and the “Certificate of Fitness”.

Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) (resolution MSC.370(93))

Entry into force: 1 July 2016.

Replacement of the complete text of the IGC Code.

Amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code) (resolution MSC.371(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Annex A, Part A – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers having single-side skin construction
Amendments to 1 (General), 2 (Renewal survey), 3 (Annual survey), 4 (Intermediate survey) and 6 (Documentation on board).

Annex A, Part B – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers having double-side skin construction
Amendments to 1 (General), 2 (Renewal survey), 3 (Annual survey), 4 (Intermediate survey) and 6 (Documentation on board).

Annex B, Part A – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of double- hull oil tankers
Amendments to 1 (General), 2 (Renewal survey), 3 (Annual survey), 4 (Intermediate survey) and 6 (Documentation on board).

Annex B, Part B – Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of oil tankers other than double-hull oil tankers
Amendments to 1 (General), 2 (Renewal survey) and 6 (Documentation on board).

Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (resolution MSC.372(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016, with a voluntary application date of 1 January 2015. Amendments throughout the Code.

Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 (resolution MSC.373(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter I – General provisions
Addition of definitions of “Audit”, “Audit Scheme”, “Code for Implementation” and “Audit Standard” in regulation 1.36 and of a new regulation 16 on “Verification of compliance” to make the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) mandatory.

Amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code
(resolution MSC.374(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter I – General provisions
Addition of a new section A-I/16 on “Verification of compliance” related to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code).

Amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as amended (resolution MSC.375(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Annex I, Chapter I – General
Addition of definitions of “Audit”, “Audit Scheme”, “Code for Implementation” and “Audit Standard” to make the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) and auditing mandatory.

Annex IV – Verification of compliance
Addition of a new annex containing regulation 53 (Application) and regulation 54 (Verification of compliance) to make the III Code and auditing mandatory.

Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code) (resolution MSC.376(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter II – Cargo containment
Amendments to Part A on “Physical protection (Siting of cargo tanks: ship stability)” and to the section on the “Certificate of Fitness” concerning carriage requirements for stability instruments on board tankers (in conjunction with the associated mandatory carriage requirements for stability instruments on board tankers under the IBC and IGC Codes).

Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (GC Code) (resolution MSC.377(93))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter II – Freeboard and stability
Addition of new paragraphs 2.2.4 and 2.2.5 as well as a new paragraph 6 in the section on the “Certificate of Fitness” concerning carriage requirements for stability instruments on board tankers (in conjunction with the associated mandatory carriage requirements for stability instruments on board tankers under the IBC and IGC Codes).

Amendments to the Revised Recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)) (resolution MSC.378(93))

Part I – Prototype tests for life-saving appliances
Amendments to section 2 on “Lifejackets” concerning lifejacket reference test devices (RTDs) as a consequence of alignments with the associated amendments to the LSA Code.

Appendix 1 – Adult reference test device (RTD) design and construction
Replacement of the entire appendix concerning lifejacket reference test devices (RTDs) as a consequence of alignments with the associated amendments to the LSA Code.

MSC 93 adopted the following resolutions:

MSC 93 approved the following circulars:

Other circulars:

Report of Conclusions - 66th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 66) 31 March to 4 April 2014

Chairman: Mr. Arsenio Dominguez (Panama)
Vice-chairman: Dr. Naomi Parker (New Zealand)

MEPC 66 adopted the following amendments to IMO instruments:

Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (resolution MEPC.246(66))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Annex I, II and IV
Addition of definitions of “Audit”, “Audit Scheme”, “Code for Implementation” and “Audit Standard” at the end of regulation 1 and of a new chapter on “Verification of compliance with the provisions of this Convention” to make the III Code mandatory.

Annex III and V
Addition of a new chapter 1 on “General” and a new chapter 2 on “Verification of compliance with the provisions of this annex” to make the III Code mandatory.

Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (resolution MEPC.247(66))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Annex VI
Addition of definitions of “Audit”, “Audit Scheme”, “Code for Implementation” and “Audit Standard” at the end of regulation 2 and of a new chapter on “Verification of compliance with the provisions of this annex” to make the III Code mandatory.

Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (resolution MEPC.248(66))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Annex I
Amendments to chapter 1 (General), chapter 4 (Requirements for the cargo area of oil tankers) and Appendix II (Form of IOPP Certificate and Supplements, Form B) on mandatory carriage requirements for stability instruments).

Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code) (resolution MEPC.249(66))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Chapter II – Cargo containment
Amendments to Part A on “Physical protection (Siting of cargo tanks: ship stability)” and the “Certificate of Fitness” related to the mandatory carriage requirements for stability instruments on board tankers.

Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) (resolution MEPC.250(66))

Entry into force: 1 January 2016.

Amendments to chapter 1 (General), chapter 2 (Ship survival capability and location of cargo tanks), chapter 8 (Cargo tank venting and gas-freeing arrangements), chapter 9 (Environmental control), chapter 11 (Fire protection and fire extinction), chapter 15 (Special requirements), chapter 17 (Summary of minimum requirements) and the “Certificate of Fitness” related, inter alia, to the mandatory carriage requirements for stability instruments on board tankers.

Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (resolution MEPC.251(66))

Entry into force: 1 September 2015.

Annex VI
Amendments to regulations 2, 19, 20 and 21 related to extension of the application of the EEDI to LNG carriers, ro-ro cargo ships (vehicle carriers), ro-ro cargo ships, ro-ro passenger ships and cruise passenger ships having non-convention propulsion and exemption of ships not propelled by mechanical means and cargo ships having ice-breaking capacity; amendments to regulation 13 and to a footnote in the Supplement to the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP Certificate) in appendix I related to the effective date for Tier III NOx emission standards.

Amendments to the Technical Code on Control of Emission of Nitrogen Oxides from Marine Diesel Engines (NOx Technical Code 2008) (resolution MEPC.251(66))

Entry into force: 1 September 2015.

Amendments of table 4 on “Symbols for fuel composition” and paragraph 1.3.10; deletion of paragraph 5.3.4 and insertion of new paragraphs 5.3.4, 5.3.5 and 5.3.6; amendments of paragraph 5.12.3.3; amendments of table 5 on “Coefficient ugas and fuel-specific parameters for raw exhaust gas, paragraph 6.3.1.4 and table 6 on “Engine parameters to be measured and recorded”; insertion of new paragraph 6.3.4.3; amendments of paragraph 6.3.11.2 and table 9 on “Default fuel oil parameters”; insertion of new paragraph 2.5 – all with the purpose of certifying dual-fuel engines.

MEPC 66 adopted the following resolutions:

MEPC 66 approved the following circulars:

Summary of SSE 1

In 2013, the Assembly adopted a re-structuring of the IMO Sub-Committees, reducing the number of SubCommittees from nine to seven. Hereby, the FP, SLF and DE Sub-Committees were merged into two new Sub-Committees: Ship Design and Construction (SDC) and Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE). The restructuring took effect on 1 January 2014.

The Sub-Committee elected Dr. S. Ota (Japan) as Chairman and Mr. K. Hunter (UK) as Vice-Chairman for 2014 and 2015.

Among the most interesting items on the agenda were the following:

Fire protection

The Sub-Committee considered new provisions on the ventilation of ships’ car decks. Investigations had revealed that large savings could be made by ventilating according to need rather than by ventilating with a constant change of air based on measurements of the air quality. The Sub-Committee developed draft amendments to SOLAS, which will be considered further by a correspondence group with a view to finalization at the second session of the SSE Sub-Committee.

The FP Sub-Committee had previously developed a proposal for new stricter requirements for cargo ships (vehicle carriers) carrying cars using hydrogen or compressed natural gas for propulsion. At the 1st session of the SSE Sub-Committee, a draft MSC circular was developed containing recommendations for safety related measures to be taken on existing vehicle carriers. The circular was forwarded to the MSC for approval.

The SSE Sub-Committee also agreed on a proposal for new provisions applicable to new tankers so that, in the future, alternative means of ventilation should be available (for example by pressure/vacuum valves) on the cargo tanks on cargo ships ensuring full ventilation of the tanks if the main ventilation system had been shut off. The proposal for new regulations was forwarded to the MSC for approval.

MARPOL Annex I, regulation 12.2

Since the revision of MARPOL Annex I, regulation 12, in 2011, Member States and classification societies had had divergent interpretations of the implementation of this regulation for existing ships. Regulation 12 of the MARPOL Convention contained requirements for oil sludge tanks, their arrangement and pipe systems as well as for their separation from the ship’s bilge system. Inter alia on the basis of a proposal co-sponsored by Denmark, the Sub-Committee adopted a revised regulation 12, clarifying the existing provisions and containing a clear description of when existing ships were to meet the requirements. The proposal was forwarded to the 67th session of the MEPC for approval.

Amended provisions on training and drills with survival craft on MODUs

The provisions on training and drills with survival craft on MODUs had proved to be inappropriate since it could often be a major challenge for the crew to take on board the survival craft again in a safe manner. Especially the fastening of the MODU survival craft crane wires to the survival craft was a challenge due to the great dynamic forces released when the survival craft was moving up and down in the sea and swell.

Against this background, the Sub-Committee developed an amendment to the provisions of the MODU Code on survival craft training and drills so that the prescriptive requirements on how to carry out the drills were extended and, at the same time, new guidelines were drawn up on alternative ways of carrying out the drills. Thus, ship owners will have a possibility of adjusting and planning survival craft training and drills in accordance with the new guidelines and thereby avoid inappropriate situations. The new regulations were forwarded to the 94th session of the MSC for approval.

Lifting appliances

Due to quite a few accidents with lifting appliances on board ships, the Sub-Committee considered whether there was a need for IMO regulation in this field. It was agreed to establish a correspondence group to scrutinize marine accident reports and other statistics available and, against this background, make proposals for the form and scope of any possible regulation.

Electrical installations in cargo and passenger ships

Due to the accident on board the Faroese factory trawler HERCULES, Denmark had presented yet another revised proposal to draw up new SOLAS regulations in order to ensure that electrical installations on board ships were approved and maintained in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the recognized international standards.

This issue had been considered at several previous sessions. Though the principles of the Danish proposal still enjoyed some support, the Sub-Committee agreed that it would not be necessary to amend the SOLAS Convention since the existing SOLAS requirements stipulating that electrical installations should meet the regulations of a recognized classification society were considered to be sufficient. This was motivated by the fact that the “Unified Regulations” of the classification societies contain requirements stipulating that electrical installations must meet a number of the international standards that Denmark had proposed be incorporated in SOLAS. In addition, it was agreed that maintenance of the electrical installations was covered by the ship’s ISM system.