Combustível Marítimo Pode se Tornar Melhor - Germanischer Lloyd Discute os Resultados do MEPC/IMO

Marine Fuel Will Become Better – GL Customers Discuss MEPC Decisions (15/04/08)

"Shipping should become more environmentally friendly. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) convened its 57th meeting with this objective. The discussion focussed on the reduction of harmful emissions and ballast water management, as well as the planned convention for environmentally sound ship recycling. At the GL First Class Exchange Forum, Germanischer Lloyd (GL) discussed current developments with more than 60 interested customers. In the introduction, Dr Pierre C. Sames, GL’s Director of Strategic Research and Development, referred to the absolute necessity of holding a dialogue. As a representative of the German flag state, as well as a member of the IACS, the International Association of Classification Societies, Germanischer Lloyd is actively involved in the international decision making process. “We are, however, reliant on your comments and assessments," said Sames. “Together, we have to formulate arguments to assert our national interests.” The central issue of the event was as follows: Did the MEPC meeting produce substantial resolutions, or was it just "hot air"? GL experts gave the answer at the company’s headquarters.Christoph Peickert, Deputy Head of the Stability Department, informed of the current status in the field of ballast water management. “Nobody knows when the convention will go into effect,” said Peickert. Currently, 13 countries have ratified the ballast water convention; however, they only represent 3.6 percent of the world tonnage. Originally the convention was planned to come into force in 2009. In order to ensure the general conditions for it to go into effect, the state of development and the availability of ballast water treatment facilities are being constantly monitored by the IMO. In addition, complementing the body of rules is rated as a priority work goal. Nevertheless, it is likely that the IMO will stick to the original schedule, as well as applying it retroactively. “Be prepared,” was the appeal to customers.The convention on safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships is just about to be adopted. IMO is planning this for October 2008. The ratification process could then begin in mid-2009. Henning Gramann, expert for ship recycling, represented GL in the respective workgroup. Among other things, they discussed the question as to whether ships of countries that have ratified the convention (party states) may wreck in non-member countries (non-party states). Henning Gramann: “The goal is for ships of party states to only dispose of them in other party states." One customer raised the concern that communication with recycling states like Bangladesh or Pakistan is not always easy. Gramann pointed out that many states, also including India, have already put large sections of the convention into national legislations. He seemed optimistic: “The convention will come. The only question is when.”An important step of the MEPC 57 is the revision of Annex VI of the International Marpol Convention, which designates strict limitations to the sulphur content in fuels. As Hans J. Götze, Head of Department Combustion Engines – Environmental, explained in his report, a two-phase plan for reduction of harmful emissions has been agreed: Specifically, the current permissible sulphur content of 4.5 percent is to be reduced to 3.5 percent by 2012 and to 0.5 percent by 2020. In the control areas of the SECA (Sulphur Emission Control Areas), the threshold value is already 1.5 percent. This is to be reduced to 1 percent by 2010 and to 0.1 percent by 2015. “The new regulations will be reviewed once again in 2018 regarding their practicability,” according to Götze. It cannot be determined yet, whether fuel with such low sulphur content will be available in sufficient quantities. In order to further reduce SOx emissions, the introduction of further ECA areas (Emission Control Areas) is planned. The name change of the SECA to ECA areas indicates the clear goal of also limiting other pollutants in these waters. For example, further reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) is also planned for the future.The new Marpol Annex VI will continue to apply to all ships. The revised version will most likely be adopted in the 58th meeting of the MEPC in October, and then most likely go into effect worldwide in February 2010. Götze: “Prompt implementation is important in order to avoid individual regional and national solutions.”This also applies to the provisions for reduction of CO2 emissions. “Not a great deal has happened in this area in the past few years,” reported Pierre C. Sames. Shipping only contributes a minor amount of the worldwide CO2 discharge – however, this shall be controlled, as the political will has it. Pessimistic forecasts predict that CO2 pollution from the world merchant fleet will double by 2050. Therefore, the IMO has been asked to submit a strategy for CO2 reduction by 2009. Sames: “If the IMO doesn’t do it, then the EU will.” No real progress had been made by the 57th MEPC meeting. However, there are interim results: For example, Denmark's recommendation to have an international standard tax for ship’s diesel for the benefit of environmental protection projects in third world countries is to be discussed in more depth. The same applies to the existing operating CO2-index and its possible connection with an emission trading system as well as a binding design CO2-index. “I expect that the binding CO2-index will come,” declared Pierre C. Sames. His recommendation to ship operators is: “Try out the operating CO2-index and tell the IMO about your experience.” However, there isn’t much time left. Up to May 30th, recommendations can be submitted to the responsible working group (Intersessional Working Group, ISWG) via the flag state". Fonte: Germanischer Lloyd .