IMO Adopts New Measures to Prevent Marine Pollution
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) held its 13th session in London from 9–13 February.
Key decisions taken during the meeting will be submitted to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84). Turkey was represented at the meeting by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGM).
Highlights of the Decisions
• NOx Technical Code 2008 amendments: Draft changes were prepared to include new “hydrogen balance” and “oxygen balance” methods for calculating exhaust gas mass flow rates, enabling certification of engines running on carbon-free fuels (such as ammonia and hydrogen) or fuel blends.
• Emission control: Measures were discussed to monitor emissions at low engine loads, support PSC inspections with onboard verification methods, and establish guidelines for detecting and reporting SCR system malfunctions.
• Biofouling and invasive species: A legally binding framework will be developed to prevent the spread of invasive species caused by biofouling on ships.
• Chemical classification: The MEPC.2 Circular was adopted for the provisional classification of liquid substances under MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code, based on the latest ESPH Technical Group updates. Additional amendments under MARPOL Annex I were also reviewed.
• Plastic pellets transport: A mandatory regulation will be introduced to reduce environmental risks from plastic pellets transported in cargo containers. MEPC 84 will decide whether this falls under MARPOL Annex III or the SOLAS Convention.
• Fishing gear marking: A draft circular was prepared to promote the implementation of FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines on the Marking of Fishing Gear.
• Marine plastic litter strategy: Work was completed to merge the IMO Strategy on Addressing Marine Plastic Litter from Ships (MEPC.341(77)) and the 2025 Action Plan (MEPC.404(83)) into a single proposal.
