IMO Sets Emission Norms for Shipping

International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made the following regulations mandatory for the international Shipping:

1. Sulphur limit in the fuel oil is reduced to 3.5% from 4.5% applicable from 1st January, 2012.

2. Sulphur limit in the fuel oil is reduced to 1% from 1.5% in Emission Control Area (ECA) – applicable since 1st July, 2010.

The proposed regulation by International Maritime Organization sets a required ‘Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)’ value to apply in four phases from 1st January, 2013 to 1st January, 2025.

Government has approved ratification of MARPOL* Annex VI so as to avail the waiver of the requirements of compliance with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). Parties to the MARPOL Annex VI have the option to waive the EEDI requirement on their ships for a maximum of 4.0 to 6.5 years after the entry into force.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has already been advised the requirement of the IMO regarding maximum limit of sulphur in fuel oil for ships.

(*Marine Pollution)

MG/AS