INSIGHTS

Recap: IMO PPR 12

Highlights from the 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) which was held remotely from 27 to 31 January 2025, covering major topics such as measures to reduce the impact of black carbon emissions on the Arctic, amendments to the 2017 Guidelines on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, development of guidance on in-water cleaning of ships and the review of the action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships.

By LORENZO POLLICARDO | 9 February 2025

Dear SYBAss member,

The 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) was held remotely from 27 to 31 January 2025, covering major topics such as measures to reduce the impact of black carbon emissions on the Arctic, amendments to the 2017 Guidelines on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, development of guidance on in-water cleaning of ships and the review of the action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships. I attended the whole committee to represent SYBAss. As PPR is a Sub-Committee, all decisions concerning rules, regulations and dates are subject to further consideration and approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).

The sub-committee agreed on the relevant proposed updates to the MARPOL Convention and other IMO instruments, as follows:

 Development and finalisation of the draft Guidance on the in-water cleaning of ships’ biofouling. These will now be sent to MEPC 83 for anticipated adoption. 

  • Approval of draft 2025 Guidelines on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systemswhich is expected to be adopted by MEPC 83 in April 2025.
  • Development and finalisation of the draft 2025 Action Plan to address marine plastic litter from ships, and a revised grouping and prioritisation of actions, updating annex 1 of MEPC.341(77) Strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships.  Both the draft 2025 Action Plan and revised annex 1 of MEPC.341(77) will be sent to MEPC 83 for respective adoption and approval.
  • Approval of draft amendments to Appendix 6 of MEPC.379(80) 2023 Guidelines for the development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, reflecting different cybutryne threshold for wet paints versus hull samples.

The following notes are a summary of the relevant topics and outcomes discussed. Note that the presented information reflects the status at the time of PPR 12 which may change as a result of ongoing developments. It is also uncertain at this time whether the mentioned proposed amendments or new regulations will eventually be adopted in future versions of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Codes or other flag codes.

Best regards

Lorenzo Pollicardo
Technical & Environmental Director