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The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is expected to finalize and approve proposed amendments to the MARPOL Annex VI regulations to reduce harmful emissions from ships, when it meets for its 57th session from 31 March to 4 April, at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London.

According to a statement released by the IMO, the MEPC will review the draft amendments agreed by the IMO Sub-Committee at a previous session in February.

A number of options are said to still remain open for discussion in relation to measures to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions and particulate matter (PM) from ships and possible NOx standards for existing engines installed in ships built before 1 January 2000.

The findings of the Informal Cross-Government/Industry Scientific Group of Experts, which was established by IMP Secretary Efthimios E. Mitropoulos to examine the effects of the different fuel options proposed under the revision of MARPOL Annex, will be brought to the attention of the Comittee.

A working group will be set up to review MARPOL Annex VI, the NOx Technical Code and other issues related to air polution, whist another working group will examine issues related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

A report compiled by the Intersessional Correspondence Group on greenhouse gas-related issues, which was given the task of discussing and proposing technical, operational and market-based measures to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships, will also be considered by the MEPC, together with submissions made by member governments and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO.

Annex VI Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships entered into force in May 2005 and has been ratified by 49 countries. According to IMO estimates, this represents approximately 74.77% of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant shipping fleet.