From February 18 to 22, the 6th session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response（PPR6）of IMO will be held in London, the headquarter of IMO. The agenda includes the discussion on the MARPOL Annex VI Guidelines, security measures to reduce the risk of heavy fuel oil use and transport, and measures to reduce the impact of international shipping on Arctic black carbon emissions.
Specifically, the meeting will firstly complete the draft guidelines on the implementation of the 0.50% for sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI. The guidelines to be discussed will contribute to the preparation and implementation of a minimum level of sulfur content in ship emissions, which will enter into force on January 1, 2020.
At the same time, the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, which involve fuel samples and testing, will also be discussed.
In addition, the verification of sulphur content in fuel oil and the revised draft guidelines of relevant port state control and ship-based sampling will also be discussed.
IMO has issued guideline on ship implementation plans in an attempt to help shipowners cope with new restrictions. The meeting will begin work on improvements and solutions to reduce the risk of the use and transport of heavy fuel oil,such as the ships sailing in Arctic waters.
IMO will also continue its work to identify appropriate control measures to reduce the impact of international shipping on Arctic carbon emissions .
The meeting will also discuss a comprehensive proposal to amend Annex I of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention) in order to control the Biocide cybutryne.
Moreover, the sub-committee will also revise the guidelines for the assessment of the carriage of liquid substances in bulk.
Finally, the meeting will consider the 2015 Guideline for Ship Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems.