Noting the work its Members undertake in verifying the global and consistent implementation of IMO agreed requirements on behalf of the IMO Member States (in their capacities as recognized organizations), and to facilitate clarity for all industry stakeholders; IACS has submitted, or co-sponsored, papers on the following issues to MEPC 74:
MEPC 74/4/14 – this paper proposes amendments to the form of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) to clearly describe the recording of alternative ballast water management methods as allowed for in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. The proposals in the paper are intended to facilitate the accurate recording of the applicable ballast water management method in the IBWMC.
MEPC 74/5 – this paper provides information related to the technical consequences on ship machinery design due to the implementation of the EEDI requirements. The paper discusses issues such as: engine derating; the impact of operating for extended periods in the Barred Speed Range (BSR); the impact on shaft alignment tolerances; the effect on propulsion improving devices; maintaining the manoeuvrability of a ship in heavy seas; and if there is a need for new property values in the EEDI calculations to take account of the increasing use of alternative fuels.
MEPC 74/6/2 – this paper urges the Committee to begin its substantive consideration of the development of a methodology for the data analysis that is to be conducted by the Organization (phase 2 of a three-step approach to address GHG emissions). To facilitate this work, some potential analyses are suggested using the data that is currently required to be provided to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (phase 1 of the three-step approach). Six draft performance indicators are proposed, and it is opined that the agreed performance indicators will facilitate the discussions in the decision-making step (phase 3 of the three-step approach).
MEPC 74/11/1 – this paper proposes amendments to both the draft revised Model Agreement and its associated draft MSC-MEPC.5 circular that were prepared by III 5. The paper identifies that some of the terminology and provisions, which have been introduced by III 5, exceed the remit of recognised organisations and could be detrimental to the conclusion of such agreements between Administrations and recognized organizations. The paper proposes that the issuance of this new circular should not affect the validity of “in force” signed agreements that have been concluded based on, or that refer to, MSC/Circ.710 and MEPC/Circ.307 or that have been already updated to refer to the Code for Recognized Organizations (RO Code).
MEPC 74/14/5 – this paper informs MEPC 74 that MSC 101 (meeting in June 2019) will consider a proposal for a new output on the harmonisation of mandatory requirements related to watertight doors on cargo ships. These safety-related requirements are to be found in various IMO mandatory instruments, including the MARPOL Convention and the IBC Code – instruments that are within the purview of MEPC. This paper invites MEPC 74 to agree that, if MSC 101 endorses the new work programme, the MEPC should be shown as a coordinating organ in the 2020-2021 biennial agenda.
It is expected that MEPC 74 will focus its discussions on key issues related to air pollution and energy efficiency, and the reduction of GHG emissions from ships.
Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk