RS Joins Global Discussions at MEPC 84

Following the session, the Committee adopted a number of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI. The amendments establish a new Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter in the North-East Atlantic Ocean, expand access to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database and clarify the form of the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.

In addition, the Committee made progress across several areas of work, including:

• Comprehensive review of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004. Amendments to the Convention and related guidelines were developed.
• Energy efficiency and air pollution prevention. Recommendations on specific technical aspects of implementing MARPOL Annex VI requirements were approved.
• Underwater noise. A decision was approved to extend the experience-building phase for measures to reduce underwater noise by two years.
• Prevention of marine pollution by plastic waste. MEPC 84 agreed on the advisability of developing a separate mandatory IMO Code for the carriage of plastic pellets in packaged form.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Based on compromise solutions, further work was outlined for 2026 to develop a set of MARPOL Annex VI requirements and accompanying recommendatory guidelines.

A detailed report on the MEPC 84 is available under 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.