Resolution MEPC.315(74): Amendments to MARPOL Annex II
A new term ‘persistent floater’ has been added to the definitions under cargo residues and tank washings. Also, the discharge requirements for cargo residues and tank washings containing persistent floating products with a high viscosity and/or a high melting point that can solidify under certain conditions have been strengthened in some sea areas. Vessels must pre-wash and discharge residue generated during prewash to a shore reception facility at the discharge port. The relevant sea areas are North West European Waters, Baltic Sea, Western European Waters and Norwegian Sea. Owners and managers will need to revise their Procedures and Arrangements manual to incorporate the changes.
2020 marked the implementation of the much anticipated global 0.5% m/m sulphur cap regulation, commonly referred to as IMO-2020. However, the potential consequences from the fallout of IMO-2020 were overshadowed by the impact of COVID-19.
The pandemic also forced the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings planned to be held between March and July 2020 to be postponed and reconstructed on a virtual platform during the later part of this year, which effectively slowed down the pace of some key work done on the regulatory front. Even though the challenges posed by the pandemic remain a crucial issue for the maritime sector, it is not the only one, as the effects of climate change demand environmental issues to remain a high priority.
2020 marked the implementation of the much anticipated global 0.5% m/m sulphur cap regulation, commonly referred to as IMO-2020. However, the potential consequences from the fallout of IMO-2020 were overshadowed by the impact of COVID-19.
The pandemic also forced the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings planned to be held between March and July 2020 to be postponed and reconstructed on a virtual platform during the later part of this year, which effectively slowed down the pace of some key work done on the regulatory front. Even though the challenges posed by the pandemic remain a crucial issue for the maritime sector, it is not the only one, as the effects of climate change demand environmental issues to remain a high priority.