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IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, 70th session, began yesterday with the aim to address important issues and discuss the hot-debated proposals concerning the adoption of mandatory data collection system for fuel consumption and the implementation data for the global sulphur cap among many other topics. In his opening speech, Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary General outlined the main goals of this Committee and stated that he is looking forward to a decision regarding the global sulphur cap start date.
He begun his speech highlighting that the ”the broader challenge we all face today is how to ensure future growth can be achieved sustainably; how to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world’s people, and not for just a privileged few.” This is the reason why IMO is actively supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Regarding BWMC, he noted that the entry into force of the Convention will open the next chapter of a story which began with its adoption twelve years ago. Among the significant tasks ahead of this week is the finalization and adoption of the revised Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8), based on the impressive progress made at the intersessional meeting that took place last week. MEPC will also continue the discussion on exceptions and exemptions under the BWM Convention, and a number of other matters which would promote its uniform implementation.
At this session, the Committee will continue to build on the solid achievements the Organization has already made to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, which will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) which requests urgent action to combat change and its impacts.
”You will also consider, for adoption, draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI on mandatory requirements for ships to record and report data on their fuel consumption together with additional data on proxies for the “transport work” undertaken by the ship. I trust that with the diligent assistance of the drafting group, the Committee will successfully complete the final editing of the draft amendments and look forward to their adoption later this week, sending a clear and positive signal about the Organization’s continuing commitment to climate change mitigation.” he said.
”I look forward to your discussion of these proposals, with a view to defining the role that the Organization can play to ensure that shipping – an indispensable component of world trade – continues to contribute to the ambitious and important goals of the Paris Agreement.” Mr Kitack Lim added.
He also said that he is looking forward to a decision regarding the implementation date of the global sulphur cap. ‘
‘You will also be considering the global sulphur cap implementation date based on the review of fuel oil availability as required by regulation 14.8 of MARPOL Annex VI, taking into account the final report of the Steering Committee established at MEPC 68. I would like to thank members of the Steering Committee which was ably led by its coordinator, Mr. Harry Conway of Liberia. Your Committee agreed at its last session, in principle, to take a decision at MEPC 70 on the implementation date and I look forward to the results of your deliberations and your decision so that the shipping and refinery industries and other stakeholders can plan ahead.”. Mr Kitack Lim commented.
As IMO has explained in a recent FAQs document, the Parties to MARPOL Annex VI present at MEPC 70 will make a decision on the basis of the review. So they could decide on whether the 0.50% global cap goes ahead in 2020 or is deferred to 2025, taking into account the review. The current plans for the MEPC 70 meeting is to consider the report on the “Assessment of the availability of fuel oil”. However, the decision of the Parties to Annex VI to go for 2020 or 2025 is binding straightaway. It isnot subject to an acceptance period as the provisions for these dates in the regulations have already entered into force.
If a Party of Parties wanted to change to another date, they would need to propose an amendment. If any amendments to the provisions were proposed then they would need to be approved at MEPC 71 at the latest to permit the minimum 22 month period before entering into force before the 1 January 2020.
source: http://www.green4sea.com/imo-sec-gen-outlines-main-goals/