MARPOL Annex VI and NTC 2008 with Guidelines for Implementation - 2023 Edition

This fifth edition of the consolidated texts of MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code 2008 includes all amendments through to those adopted at MEPC 76 in June 2021, in particular those on the IMO short-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures (EEXI, CII and enhanced SEEMP).

Also contained are the current versions of the Guidelines and other information relevant to the application of MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code 2008. These include all those related to:

• exhaust gas treatment systems and measures for reduction of NOx and SOx emissions from ships;
• improvement of energy efficiency to reduce GHG emissions from ships, related to chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI; and
• sulphur content of fuel oil used by ships.

This publication is intended to be of use to maritime administrations, recognized organizations, shipping companies, classification societies, educational institutes, shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers together with others with an interest in the prevention of air pollution from ships and in the technical and operational measures to improve the energy efficiency of ships.

Foreword

MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships Resolution MEPC.176(58)

Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (Revised MARPOL Annex VI)

Chapter 1 – General

Regulation 1 Application

Regulation 2 Definitions

Regulation 3 Exceptions and exemptions

Regulation 4 Equivalents

Chapter 2 – Survey, certification and means of control Regulation 5 Surveys

Regulation 6 Issue or endorsement of Certificates and Statements of Compliance related to fuel oil consumption reporting and operational carbon intensity rating

Regulation 7 Issue of a Certificate by another Party

Regulation 8 Form of Certificates and Statements of Compliance related to fuel oil consumption reporting and operational carbon intensity rating

Regulation 9 Duration and validity of Certificates and Statements of Compliance related to fuel oil consumption reporting and operational carbon intensity rating

Regulation 10 Port State control on operational requirements

Regulation 11 Detection of violations and enforcement

Chapter 3 – Requirements for control of emissions from ships Regulation 12 Ozone-depleting substances

Regulation 13 Nitrogen oxides (NOx )

Regulation 14 Sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter

Regulation 15 Volatile organic compounds

Regulation 16 Shipboard incineration

Regulation 17 Reception facilities

Regulation 18 Fuel oil availability and quality

Chapter 4 – Regulations on the carbon intensity of international shipping

Regulation 19 Application

Regulation 20 Goal

Regulation 21 Functional requirements

Regulation 22 Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (attained EEDI)

Regulation 23 Attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (attained EEXI)

Regulation 24 Required EEDI

Regulation 25 Required EEXI

Regulation 26 Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

Regulation 27 Collection and reporting of ship fuel oil consumption data

Regulation 28 Operational carbon intensity

Regulation 29 Promotion of technical cooperation and transfer of technology relating to the improvement of energy efficiency of ships

Chapter 5 – Verification of compliance with the provisions of this Annex

Regulation 30 Application

Regulation 31 Verification of compliance

Appendices to Annex VI Appendix I Form of International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate (regulation 8)

Appendix II Test cycles and weighting factors (regulation 13)

Appendix III Criteria and procedures for the designation of emission control areas (regulations 13.6 and 14.3)

Appendix IV Type approval and operating limits for shipboard incinerators (regulation 16)

Appendix V Information to be included in the bunker delivery note (regulation 18.5)

Appendix VI Verification procedures for a MARPOL Annex VI fuel oil sample (regulation 18.8.2 or regulation 14.8)

Appendix VII Emission control areas (regulations 13.6 and 14.3)

Appendix VIII Form of International Energy Efficiency (IEE) Certificate (regulation 8.2)

Appendix IX Information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (regulation 27)

Appendix X Form of Statement of Compliance – Fuel oil consumption reporting and operational carbon intensity rating (regulation 8.3)

Appendix XI Form of Exemption Certificate for UNSP Barges (regulation 8.4)

Unified interpretations of Annex VI

IMO

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.