MARPOL Annex VI, first adopted in 1997, limits the main air pollutants contained in ships exhaust gas, including sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrous oxides (NOx), and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances (ODS). MARPOL Annex VI also regulates shipboard incineration, and the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from tankers.
Following entry into force of MARPOL Annex VI on 19 May 2005, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), at its 53rd session (July 2005), agreed to revise MARPOL Annex VI with the aim of significantly strengthening the emission limits in light of technological improvements and implementation experience. As a result of three years examination, MEPC 58 (October 2008) adopted the revised MARPOL Annex VI and the associated NOx Technical Code 2008, which entered into force on 1 July 2010
The main changes to MARPOL Annex VI are a progressive reduction globally in emissions of SOx, NOx and particulate matter and the introduction of emission control areas (ECAs) to reduce emissions of those air pollutants further in designated sea areas.
Under the revised MARPOL Annex VI, the global sulphur limit will be reduced from current 3.50% to 0.50%, effective from 1 January 2020, subject to a feasibility review to be completed no later than 2018.
MEPC 70 (October 2016) considered an assessment of fuel oil availability to inform the decision to be taken by the Parties to MARPOL Annex VI, and decided that the fuel oil standard (0.50% sulphur limit) shall become effective on 1 January 2020.
The limits applicable in ECAs for SOx and particulate matter were reduced to 0.10%, from 1 January 2015. - From IMO
SCRUBBER / EXHUAST GAS CLEANING SYSTEM
An exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber) is a device installed onboard marine vessels that, quite literally, “scrubs” harmful sulfur oxides from exhaust gases.
The technology is commonly installed on ships seeking compliance options in the face of tighter emissions regulations. Scrubbers have been adopted for compliance within Emission Control Areas near coastlines and are also being installed in preparation for the International Maritime Organization’s global sulfur cap beginning Jan 1, 2020.
Scrubbers enable vessels to consume cheaper, high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) while still complying with mandated emissions levels. Vessels with scrubbing technology installed will be able to consume high-sulfur fuel at a significant discount to low-sulfur fuel. This is particularly true as low-sulfur options are expected to come at a premium due to increased demand.
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Special thanks to Jaime Jayme - RU-vid channel / Alfonso Jayme for letting us used his video for educational purposes.
26 авг 2024
