Hotel Service Unit 18 Q6

MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, is divided into six technical Annexes, each addressing a different type of marine pollution:

1. MARPOL – dco.uscg.mil – Coast Guard

1. Annex I: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil   1. MARPOL Annex I – Prevention of Pollution by Oil – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
   • Covers the prevention of pollution from operational and accidental discharges of oil and oily mixtures.   1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) www.imo.org
2. Annex II: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk   1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) www.imo.org
   • Deals with the control of pollution from the discharge of harmful liquid substances carried in bulk, such as chemicals and liquefied gases.   1. Carriage of chemicals by ship – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
3. Annex III: Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form   1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) www.imo.org
   • Addresses the prevention of pollution from the carriage of harmful substances in packaged form, including chemicals, pesticides, and other hazardous materials.   1. Carriage of chemicals by ship – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
4. Annex IV: Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships   1. Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
   • Regulates the discharge of sewage from ships, setting standards for treatment and disposal to protect marine environments and public health.   1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) www.imo.org
5. Annex V: Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships   1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
   • Focuses on preventing marine pollution caused by garbage and other solid waste generated on board ships. It establishes restrictions and procedures for garbage disposal and encourages waste minimization.   1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
6. Annex VI: Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships   1. MARPOL Annex VI and the Act To Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS) | US EPA www.epa.gov
   • Aims to reduce air pollution from ships by regulating emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other air pollutants. It also addresses energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions from ships.   1. MARPOL Annex VI and the Act To Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS) | US EPA www.epa.gov

Each Annex contains specific regulations and requirements for ships to minimize their environmental impact and protect the marine environment. Compliance with MARPOL Annexes is mandatory for all ships engaged in international voyages, and enforcement is carried out by flag states and port states.  

1. MARPOL · Annexes and procedures – CARA

2. MARPOL 73/78 – Wikipedia

According to MARPOL Annex VI, the regulations regarding Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions apply to marine diesel engines with a power output of more than 130 kW.  

1. MARPOL Annex VI and the Act To Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS) | US EPA

These regulations are applicable regardless of the ship’s size or type, as long as the engine’s power output exceeds the specified threshold. Both main propulsion engines and auxiliary engines fall under this legislation.  

1. MARPOL Annex VI and the Act To Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS) | US EPA

There are a few exceptions to this rule:

• Engines used solely for emergency purposes   1. IMO Marine Engine Regulations – Emission Standards – DieselNet dieselnet.com
• Engines installed on ships solely engaged in domestic voyages

However, these exceptions may be subject to specific conditions or alternative NOx control measures as determined by the Administration (flag state).

The aim of these regulations is to reduce NOx emissions from ships, which contribute to air pollution, acid rain, and other environmental and health problems. By setting limits on NOx emissions and encouraging the use of cleaner technologies, MARPOL Annex VI plays a crucial role in promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime industry.  

1. MARPOL Annex VI and the Act To Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS) | US EPA

In addition to Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), MARPOL Annex VI is designed to limit and control the following pollutants from ships:

1. Clean air in shipping – International Maritime Organization

1. Sulfur Oxides (SOx):   1. MARPOL Annex VI and the Act To Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS) | US EPA www.epa.gov

• These are formed primarily from the combustion of fuel oil containing sulfur.
• SOx emissions contribute to acid rain, respiratory problems, and other environmental and health issues.   1. Sulfur dioxide | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government www.qld.gov.au
• Annex VI sets limits on the sulfur content of marine fuels and designates Emission Control Areas (ECAs) with stricter limits.   1. MARPOL Annex VI and the Act To Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS) | US EPA www.epa.gov

2. Particulate Matter (PM):

• These are tiny airborne particles, including black carbon (soot), that are released from the incomplete combustion of fuel.   1. Black carbon: Better monitoring needed to assess health and climate change impacts www.eea.europa.eu
• PM can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and also contribute to haze and reduced visibility.   1. Visibility-Reducing Particles & Health – California Air Resources Board ww2.arb.ca.gov
• Annex VI sets limits on PM emissions from marine diesel engines.   1. International: Marine: Emissions | Transport Policy – TransportPolicy.net www.transportpolicy.net

3. Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS):

• These are chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), that can destroy the ozone layer in the stratosphere.   1. Ozone depleting substances – Ministry for the Environment environment.govt.nz
• The ozone layer protects us from harmful UV radiation.   1. Protecting the Ozone Layer Also Protects Earth’s Ability to Sequester Carbon – NASA www.nasa.gov
• Annex VI prohibits the deliberate emissions of ODS from ships.   1. Historic Background – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org

4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

• These are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog).   1. Technical Overview of Volatile Organic Compounds | US EPA www.epa.gov
• VOCs can have adverse health effects and also contribute to climate change.   1. What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? | US EPA www.epa.gov
• Annex VI regulates VOC emissions from tankers during loading and unloading operations.   1. Clean air in shipping – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org

5. Shipboard Incineration:

• Annex VI includes regulations on the incineration of garbage and other waste onboard ships.   1. Shipboard incineration – Regulation 16 – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
• It sets limits on the types of waste that can be incinerated and the emissions that can be released from incinerators.   1. Shipboard incineration – Regulation 16 – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org

6. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs):

• While not a direct pollutant, Annex VI also addresses greenhouse gas emissions from ships, which contribute to climate change.   1. MARPOL Annex VI: Ship decarbonisation – IMO strategy of 2018 – Skuld www.skuld.com
• It includes mandatory measures for improving the energy efficiency of ships, such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships.   1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) www.imo.org2. de.wikipedia.org de.wikipedia.org

By regulating these various pollutants, MARPOL Annex VI aims to protect human health, the environment, and the global climate from the harmful effects of air pollution from ships. It encourages the adoption of cleaner fuels, more efficient technologies, and responsible operational practices in the maritime industry.  

1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)