PH maritime regulator urges ships to comply with emission rules

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THE Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has urged overseas shipping companies and other maritime entities to comply with energy efficiency regulations to cut their vessels’ emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Marina OIC Administrator Atty. Nicasio Conti recently issued Flag State Administration Advisory 2013-2 in line with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Chapter 4, which mandates new ships’ compliance with the energy efficiency design index.

The advisory was issued to all ship owners, ship managers, masters and officers of Philippine-registered ships engaged in overseas trade, as well as recognized organizations, shipbuilders, ship designers, marine diesel engine and equipment manufacturers and related maritime entities.

He said amendments to Annex VI of MARPOL introducing the mandatory measures to cut GHG emissions from international shipping were adopted by the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee in July 2011 and took effect January 1 this year.

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) regulations requiring an improvement in energy efficiency until 2025 will initially apply to bulk carriers, gas carriers, tankers, container ships, general cargo ships, refrigerated cargo carriers and combination of dry/ liquid bulk carriers.

The regulation intends to improve energy efficiency for ships through a set of technical performance standards, which would result in reduction of carbon emissions.

“New ships of 400 gross tonnage and above will be subjected to a survey before being put into service for compliance with the energy efficiency requirements. The EEDI standards will be phased in from 2013 to 2025,” Conti said.

The EEDI regulations will apply to all new ships with building contracts dated January 1, 2013 or later. For ships without such contracts, their keels should be laid on or after July 1, 2013, or they should be for delivery on or after July 1, 2015.

Conti said an international energy efficiency or IEE certificate will be issued by Marina or any duly authorized organization to all ships covered under this regulation.

Each ship must develop and keep on board a ship-specific energy efficient management plan (SEEMP), a mechanism for operators or ships.

For existing ships, Marina said, verification of the requirement to have a SEEMP on board will take place at the first intermediate or renewal survey before January 1 this year.

The new regulation applies to ships of 400 gross tons and above engaged in international voyage.

The Regulations 20 and 21 of Chapter 4 will not apply to ships with diesel electric propulsion, turbine propulsion or hybrid propulsion systems.

Image courtesy of Containers Loading At Sea Trading Port Panorama/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net