It will cover the adoption of draft amendments to the NOX Technical Code 2008 to facilitate the testing of gas-fuelled engines and dual fuel engines for NOx Tier III strategy. As well as draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI regarding record requirements for operational compliance with NOX Tier III emission control areas.
The MEPC will review the status of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention), 2004, which is very close to reaching its entry into force criteria.
It is expected to continue discussing the implementation of the BWM Convention and energy efficient international shipping.
As well as data collection systems to analyse the energy efficiency of ships, reduction of GHG emissions from ships and fuel oil quality.
The MEPC will consider a proposal from the Philippines to designate the marine area known as the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, located between the islands of the Philippines and North Borneo, as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA), in order to provide special protection form international shipping.
An effective date for the application of the Baltic Sea Special Area under MARPOL Annex IV will also be considered.
While an updated version of the manual ‘Port reception facilities – How to do it’ is expected to be approved.
All 171 IMO Member States and three Associate Members may attend as well as all Parties to MARPOL.
Intergovernmental organisations and international non-governmental organisations are also invited.