MARPOL Annex VI

The draft text of the revised MARPOL Annex VI includes a regulation providing for vessels that have been unable to take on board the appropriate fuel to be exempted from control measures, at the discretion of the Port State, in circumstances where it can be demonstrated that all possible efforts have been made to purchase the appropriate fuel. 

Being aware that many vessels are still experiencing problems under the current Annex VI in sourcing compliant fuel prior to entering a SECA, IPTA submitted a paper to MEPC 58, co-sponsored by the International Chamber of Shipping,  proposing that the principles enshrined in this revised text be applied also to the current Annex VI where vessels have been unable to source compliant fuel prior to entering SECA’s. 

The MEPC agreed to this proposal and an MEPC Circular will be issued.  The text of the Circular can be found in the Members' Area.