The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has announced January 1, 2016, as the date of implementation for its Tier III NOx standards within emission control areas (ECAs).
During the MEPC's 66th session, held at IMO's London headquarters in late-March/early-April, the committee adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, regulation 13, on Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), concerning the date for the implementation of Tier III standards within emission control areas (ECAs).
The amendments provide for the Tier III NOx standards to be applied to a marine diesel engine that is installed on a ship constructed on or after January 1 2016 and which operates in the North American Emission Control Area or the United States Caribbean Sea Emission Control Area, both of which are designated for the control of NOx emissions.
In addition, the Tier III requirements would apply to installed marine diesel engines when operated in other emission control areas which might be designated in the future for Tier III NOx control.
Further, the Tier III requirements do not apply to a marine diesel engine installed on a ship constructed prior to 1 January 2021 of less than 500 gross tonnage, of 24 metres or over in length, which has been specifically designed and is used solely, for recreational purposes.
The amendments are expected to enter into force on September 1 2015.
