Prohibition on use and carriage for use of heavy fuel oil in Arctic waters

Notice to: Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators | Surveyors/Auditors | Service Suppliers

C22035 | 30 January 2022

The Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC), at its 76th session, approved amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), prohibiting the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic Waters coming into force from 01st of July 2024.

Special requirements for the use and carriage of oils as fuel in Arctic waters

Except for ships engaged in securing the safety of ships or in search and rescue operations, and ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response, the use and carriage of oils, listed in Reg. 43.1.2 of MARPOL Annex I, as fuel by ships shall be prohibited in Arctic waters, on or after 1 July 2024.

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this regulation, for ships to which regulation 12A of this Annex or regulation 1.2.1 of chapter 1 of part II-A of the Polar Code applies, the use and carriage of oils, listed in Reg. 43.1.2 of MARPOL Annex I, as fuel by those ships shall be prohibited in Arctic waters, on or after 1 July 2029.

When prior operations have included the use and carriage of oils, listed in Reg. 43.1.2 of MARPOL Annex I, as fuel, the cleaning or flushing of tanks or pipelines is not required.

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this regulation, the Administration of a Party to the present Convention the coastline of which borders on Arctic waters may temporarily waive the requirements of paragraph 1 of this regulation for ships flying the flag of that Party while operating in waters subject to the sovereignty or jurisdiction of that Party, taking into account the guidelines to be developed by the Organization.

No waivers issued under this paragraph shall apply on or after 1 July 2029.

The Administration of a Party to the present Convention which allows application of paragraph 4 of this regulation shall communicate to the Organization for circulation to the Parties particulars of the waiver thereof, for their information and appropriate action, if any.

Act Now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators and Service Suppliers should take into consideration the above amendments prohibiting the use and carriage as a fuel, heavy oil, in Arctic waters being effective from 01st of July 2024.