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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued a circular to shipowners urging them to prepare for the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the 63rd session of IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).

"The shipping community is urged to take early action to comply with the requirements on or before the date of entry into force of the amendments/resolutions," the MPA said.

Please find the MPA's comments (1-4) below.

1. The mandatory resolutions include the following:

a. Resolution MEPC.216(63) – Amendments to Annexes I, II, IV and V of MARPOL 73/78 (Regional arrangements for port reception facilities under MARPOL Annexes I, II, IV and V) (applicable from 1 Aug 2013);

The amendments provide for regional arrangements for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) when, because of these States' unique circumstances, such arrangements are the only practical means to satisfy the respective requirements of MARPOL Annexes I, II, IV and V. Parties participating in a regional arrangement shall develop a Regional Reception Facilities Plan, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization.

b. Resolution MEPC.217(63) – Amendments to Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78 (Regional arrangements for port reception facilities under MARPOL Annex VI and certification of marine diesel engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction systems under the NOx Technical Code 2008) (applicable from 1 Aug 2013);

The amendments provide for regional arrangements for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to satisfy the requirements of paragraph 1 of regulation 17 of the MARPOL Annex VI when, because of these States' unique circumstances, such arrangements are the only practical means to satisfy these requirements. Parties participating in a regional arrangement shall develop a Regional Reception Facilities Plan, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization. The amendments related to the NOx Technical Code 2008 provide for more flexibility in the testing and certification processes of marine diesel engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction systems.

2. MEPC 63 also adopted the following resolutions:

a. Resolution MEPC.209(63) – 2012 Guidelines on Design and Construction to facilitate Sediment Control on ships (G12) (revokes MEPC.150(55));

The guidelines provide guidance to ship designers, shipbuilders, owners and operators in the development of ship structures and equipment to reduce possibility of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.

b. Resolution MEPC.210(63) – 2012 Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling;

The guidelines provide recommendations to ship recycling facilities to establish management systems, procedures, and techniques to prevent, reduce and minimise the adverse effects on the environment caused by ship recycling.

c. Resolution MEPC.211(63) – 2012 Guidelines for the Authorization of Ship Recycling Facilities;

The guidelines provide recommendations for Parties on establishing mechanisms for authorising ship recycling facilities in accordance with requirements of the Ship Recycling Convention.

d. Resolution MEPC.212(63) – 2012 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships (revokes MEPC.1/Circ.681);

The amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to include a new chapter 4 on the regulations on energy efficiency for ships are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013. The guidelines provide the method of calculation for the Attained EEDI as required under Regulation 20 of the new chapter and shall be followed.

e. Resolution MEPC.213(63) – 2012 Guidelines for the Development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) (revokes MEPC.1/Circ.683); Regulation 22 of the new chapter 4 for regulations on energy efficiency for ships under MARPOL Annex VI requires each ship to keep onboard a ship specific Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). The guidelines provide assistance for development of the SEEMP and shall be taken into consideration by ships’ masters, operators and owners for the development.

f. Resolution MEPC.214(63) – 2012 Guidelines on Survey and Certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) (revokes MEPC.1/Circ.682);

The purpose of the guidelines is to assist Administrations and Recognised Organisations in conducting the survey and certification of the EEDI and assist shipowners, shipbuilders and manufacturers related to the energy efficiency of ships to understand such procedures.

g. Resolution MEPC.215(63) – Guidelines for Calculation of Reference Lines for use with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI); Regulation 21 of the new chapter 4 for regulations on energy efficiency for ships under MARPOL Annex VI requires reference line to be established for each ship type to which the regulation is applicable. The guidelines provide the calculation method for the reference line and shall be followed.

h. Resolution MEPC.218(63) – Development of Technical Onboard Equipment in relation to the Designation of the Baltic Sea as a Special Area under MARPOL Annex IV (for information);

The resolution calls for the development of proven, adequate and costeffective technical onboard equipment, such as sewage treatment plants, to meet the discharge standards for passenger ships within a Special Area under MARPOL Annex IV.

i. Resolution MEPC.219(63) – 2012 Guidelines for Implementation of MARPOL Annex V (revokes MEPC.59(33), as amended by MEPC.92(45)); The revised MARPOL Annex V is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013. The guidelines provide guidance to the industry for implementing the requirements of the revised MARPOL Annex V and shall be followed.

j. Resolution MEPC.220(63) – 2012 Guidelines for the Development of Garbage Management Plans (revokes MEPC.71(38)); Regulation 10.2 of the revised MARPOL Annex V requires applicable ships to carry a Garbage Management Plan. The guidelines are intended to assist the shipowner/operator in the development of such a plan and shall be applied.

k. Resolution MEPC.221(63) – 2012 Guidelines for the Development of a Regional Reception Facilities Plan (for information).

The guidelines provide guidance for the development of a regional reception facilities plan (RRFP) to assist Member States in specific geographical regions of the world in the effective implementation of regional arrangements for port reception facilities.

3. In addition to the adoption of resolutions, MEPC 63 approved, subject to MSC 90’s concurrent decision, the draft amendments to the IBC Code. The amendments, disseminated through Circular letter No. 3261, captured the changes and developments since the 2007 amendments. The amendments will be adopted at MEPC 64. The Shipping Community is urged to consider the amendments and invited to provide comments and feedback as necessary.

4. Resolutions MEPC.216(63) and MEPC.217(63) will be given effect through amendments to the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Oil) Regulations.

Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) Regulations, Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Sewage) Regulations, Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Garbage) Regulations and Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air) Regulations respectively from 1 August 2013.

Any queries relating to the circular should be directed to the MPA's Zafrul Alam (Tel: +65 6375 6204) or Princet Ang (Tel: +65 6375 6259).