Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives    

Action Date: On or after 1 July 2024/2029

By this message we would like to inform you regarding the amendments to MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 43A— Special requirements for the use and carriage of oils as fuel in Arctic waters.

Adopted by:

MEPC.329(76)

Summary:

New regulation 43A of MARPOL Annex I has been adopted to prohibit the use and carriage of heavy fuel oils (HFO) in Arctic waters.

Heavy fuel oils (HFO) are listed in MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 43.1.2 and include:

1.         crude oils having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3.

2.         oils, other than crude oils, having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s; or

3.         bitumen, tar and their emulsions

Implication:

Amendment will impact ships operating in and around the Arctic region as follows:

•           If a ship has fuel oil tanks which do not comply with regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex I (Oil fuel tank protection) or regulation 1.2.1 of chapter 1, Part II-A of the Polar Code, the use and carriage of HFO will be prohibited on or after 1 July 2024.

•           If a ship has fuel oil tanks which comply with regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex I (Oil fuel tank protection) or regulation 1.2.1 of chapter 1, Part II-A of the Polar Code, the use and carriage of HFO will be prohibited on or after 1 July 2029.

Application:

The amendment will apply to all ships except for ships engaged in securing the safety of ships, ships engaged in search and rescue operations or ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response.

Please treat this matter with the utmost urgency and take all necessary measures to ensure timely compliance.

March 21^st ,2024 - PHRS Head Office