The Gibraltar Maritime Administration has issued Shipping Guidance Notice 146, providing details on amendments to MARPOL Annex I.
The Gibraltar Maritime Administration has issued Shipping Guidance Notice 146, providing details on amendments to Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). These amendments introduce a prohibition on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in Arctic waters to protect the region's sensitive marine environment.
Key Highlights of the New Regulation
The prohibition is part of broader international efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of shipping. It was agreed upon by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through Resolution MEPC.329(76). The regulation is being implemented in Gibraltar under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2009 (as amended).
Staged Implementation
First Stage: Effective July 1, 2024
From this date, most vessels are prohibited from using or carrying HFO as fuel in Arctic waters.
- Exceptions include:
- Ships engaged in search and rescue or ensuring the safety of other vessels.
- Ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response.
- Vessels designed or constructed to meet specific fuel tank protection standards outlined in regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex I and the Polar Code.
- Ships flagged by Arctic coastal states operating exclusively within their territorial waters under temporary waivers.
Second Stage: Full Implementation by July 1, 2029
After this date, the
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