Extraordinary session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee
From October 14 to 17, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will convene the 2nd extraordinary session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) at its headquarters in London. Consistent with its ongoing role, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) will be represented within the national delegation.
The primary goal of the session is to consider, with a view to adoption, draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI: Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships. The proposed amendments address the following key issues:
- clarifying test cycles and certification procedures for marine diesel engines with multiple operational profiles;
- designating a new Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) and Nitrogen Oxides Emission Control Area (NECA) – covering sulphur, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter – in the northeastern part of the Atlantic Ocean;
- establishing access procedures to the IMO Ship Fuel Consumption Database;
- advancing technical and economic measures under the IMO Net-Zero Framework, aimed at decarbonizing international shipping in line with the IMO 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy.
If adopted, the amendments are expected to enter into force on March 1, 2027.
Detailed information on the outcomes will be available in the section “International Activity” – “Results of sessions of the IMO bodies” on the official RS website.
Additional information:
Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.
Today, RS is actively expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys, management system certification and recognition of manufacturers. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.