Last summer, the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted new emissions regulation for tankers carrying crude oil. The new regulation has direct impact for owners from 1 July, 2010.

Regulation 15.6 of the Revised Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78 requires that within 1 July 2010, all tankers carrying crude oil will be required to carry and implement a ship-specific Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Management Plan, approved by the Administration.

The VOC Management Plan is required to be consistent with guidelines established by the MEPC; in resolution 185 (59). Prior to the Marine Environmental Protection Committee meeting (MEPC 59) in July 2009, DNV and Intertanko established a joint industry project to develop a model VOC management plan. This model plan was adopted by IMO as MEPC.1/Circ.680 on 27th July 2009.

The objective of the plan is to reduce VOC emissions from tankers carrying crude in connection with cargo loading and discharging operations, crude oil washing operations as well as sea passage. MEPC.1/ Circ.680 describes both technical design modifications as well as operational procedures that may be applied to reduce VOC emissions.

DNV will ensure that a Retroactive Requirement (RR 1028) is given to oil tankers for which this requirement is applicable. Oil tankers that do not carry crude will have the RR replaced by a Memo for Owners (MO 186) specifying that the ship is not carrying crude oil and is therefore not required to have an approved VOC Management Plan onboard. Prior to any carriage of crude oil, such a plan is to be provided onboard.

For further information contact our Maritime Service Centre

Datum: 10 March 2010