Ship Operations - Reclassifying Oil under MARPOL

Based on a proposal by Japan to separate persistent oil from other oil under Annex I of MARPOL 73/78, MEPC41 (March 1998) will consider the proposal which, if accepted, would result in three categories: (1) crude; (2) persistent; and (3) other oil. Presently, persistent oils such as heavy fuel oils, are classified under MARPOL 73/78 Annex I as other oil.

However, due to their high viscosity and potential for causing severe environmental damage in the event of a spill, MEPC will consider the proposal that, for the purpose of the regulations governing pollution prevention, persistent oils be treated as crude oil.