Polar Code and ballast water management on agenda at IMO

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meets for its 67th session from 13 to 17 October 2014, at IMO Headquarters in London. Items on the agenda include the review of environmental provisions in the draft Polar Code and associated draft MARPOL amendments to make the Code mandatory; the implementation of the Ballast Water Management convention; consideration of proposed amendments to
MARPOL; consideration of the 2014 greenhouse gas study update and further work on the implementation of energy-efficiency regulations. Draft Polar Code environmental provisions to be reviewed The MEPC is expected to review the environmental requirements under the proposed draft mandatory International Code for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code), and the associated MARPOL amendments to make the Code mandatory with a view to approval at this session ahead of adoption at the next session (MEPC 68, scheduled for May 2015).

 An intersessional working group will meet ahead of the MEPC session to review the requirements and report to the Committee. The draft Polar Code covers the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue and environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in waters surrounding the two poles.

Draft environmental provisions include requirements covering prevention of pollution by oil; by noxious liquid substances; by sewage; and by garbage. BWM status and technologies to be reviewed 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 close to receiving enough ratifications to meet the entry into force (tonnage) criteria.

 The number of Contracting Governments is currently 41, representing 30.25% of the world’s merchant fleet tonnage. The BWM Convention will enter into force 12 months after the date on which not fewer than 30 States, the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than 35% of the world’s gross tonnage, will have ratified it.