AMENDMENTS TO THE ANNEX OF THE PROTOCOL OF 1997...

AMENDMENTS TO THE ANNEX OF THE PROTOCOL OF 1997 TO AMEND THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS, 1973, AS MODIFIED BY THE PROTOCOL OF 1978 RELATING THERETO,

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 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.

Finalization and adoption of the supporting guidelines was a significant achievement and also provides sufficient lead time for Administrations and industry to prepare.

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.