New Annex VI to Marpol - Shipboard Incineration

Upon entry into force of Annex VI, wastes or other matter generated during the normal operation of the ship may only be burned using approved incinerators. Administrations may exempt incinerators installed on ships which are solely engaged in voyages within the jurisdictional waters of the flag State.

Wastes containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), traces of heavy metals, halogen compounds or residues of cargo oil (refer to Annex I substances), noxious and harmful substances (refer to Annex II and Annex III) or IMDG Code substances cannot be incinerated.

Oily rags (containing with Annex I substances), contaminated rags (containing Annex II substances) may be incinerated under the provisions of Annex V, Prevention of Pollution by Garbage. Further, Annex VI allows the incineration of sewage sludge and sludge oil generated during normal operation of the ship, except inside ports, harbors and estuaries.

Each incinerator installed on board after 1 January 2000 shall be type-approved based on the guidelines contained in the revisions to Resolution MEPC 59(33) as agreed at MEPC40. A major change to MEPC 59(33) was the increase in capacity from 1160 kW to 1500 kW. The Guidelines address electrical and mechanical safe guards, fire protection provisions, emission limits and operational controls.

Manufacturers should have in place an ISO-9000 quality system. Prior to issuance of an IMO Type Approval Certificate to each incinerator, specific tests and measurements must be completed for the relevant incinerator model.