INSIGHTS

Recap: IMO PPR 8

Highlights from the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response, held in London from 22 to 26 March 2021 and attended by SYBAss.

By LORENZO POLLICARDO | 29 March 2021

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) sub-committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) held its eighth session online from 22 to 26 March 2021. This annual meeting deals with all matters relating to pollution prevention and response which falls within IMO’s remit, including the control and management of harmful aquatic organisms in ships’ ballast water and the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. Lorenzo Pollicardo, SYBAss’ Technical and Environmental Director, was virtually in attendance and ensured that member interests were well-represented on the global regulatory stage.

The following key items were discussed and agreed upon:

  • Development of a standard for the verification of ballast water compliance monitoring devices. Proposals for development of a standard for verification of ballast water compliance monitoring systems were reviewed. A correspondence group on Development of a Protocol for Verification of Ballast Water Compliance Monitoring Devices was agreed with the objective to draft a protocol for verification of ballast water compliance monitoring devices.
  • Revision of MARPOL Annex IV to introduce provisions for record-keeping and measures to confirm the lifetime performance of sewage treatment plants. PPR 8 reviewed the amendments to the “2012 Guidelines on implementation of effluent standards and performance tests for sewage treatment plants (resolution MEPC.227(64)”. PPR 8 agreed also for the continuation of the relevant correspondence group.
  • Black Carbon emissions from international shipping in the Artic. PPR 8 recognized the test results indicating the more paraffinic content in nature of the very low sulphur fuel oils. Discussion will continue with a view to develop possible control measures for Black Carbon emissions from international shipping.
  • Development of measures to reduce risks of use and carriage of heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic waters. PPR 8 decided to restructure into separate sections the draft guidelines with the responsibilities of Maritime Administrator (MA) and Ship Operator (OP). PPR 9 will be expected to finalise the draft guidelines.
  • Evaluation of safety and pollution hazards of chemicals and amendments to the IBC Code. PPR 8 agreed to include palm oil in chapter 17 of the IBC Code.

SYBAss members will soon receive, as usual, a detailed report on the IMO sub-committee on Pollution Prevention and Response meeting.