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An important series of guidelines to support the uniform implementation of mandatory measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping was adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), when it met for its 63rd session from 27 February to 2 March 2012, at IMO Headquarters in London, paving the way for the regulations to be implemented by Administrations and the industry.

The MEPC also continued its intensive discussion on market-based measures (MBMs) for greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.

Guidelines for implementation of energy efficiency measures adopted

The MEPC adopted four sets of guidelines intended to assist in the implementation of the mandatory Regulations on Energy Efficiency for Ships in MARPOL Annex VI, which are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013:

* 2012 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships;

* 2012 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP);

* 2012 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI); and

* Guidelines for calculation of reference lines for use with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).

The guidelines adopted will aim to support member states in their uniform implementation of the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships, adopted in July 2011, which add a new chapter 4 to Annex VI on Regulations on energy efficiency for ships to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships.

The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.

The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships.

The MEPC also agreed an updated work plan for the development of further guidelines and the development of energy efficiency frameworks for those ships not covered by the current EEDI regulations.

Technology transfer resolution debated

Linked to the implementation of energy efficiency measures was the draft MEPC resolution on the Promotion of technical co-operation and transfer of technology relating to the improvement of energy efficiency of ships, where it was agreed to further discuss the draft at the next session.

MBMs discussion continues

The MEPC continued its intensive consideration of proposed market-based measures (MBMs), which would complement the technical and operational measures already adopted. Further debate will continue at the next session (MEPC 64, 1 to 5 October 2012). The MBM proposals under review range from a contribution or levy on all CO2 emissions from international shipping or only from those ships not meeting the EEDI requirement, via emission trading systems, to schemes based on a ship’s actual efficiency, both by design (EEDI) and operation (SEEMP).

The committee considered the undertaking of an impact assessment of the MBM proposals and considered in detail the methodology and criteria it should be based on. Towards the end of the meeting, the chairman presented draft terms of reference for the impact assessment which will continue to be considered at the next session in October.

Oil pollution response manuals approved

The MEPC approved a number of guidance manuals developed by the OPRC HNS Technical Group: IMO/IPIECA Guidance on sensitivity mapping for oil spill response; Guideline for oil spill response in fast currents; Operational guide on the use of sorbents; and Oil spill waste management decision support tool.