New Annex VI to Marpol - Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

New and existing tankers (including certain gas carriers) operating in ports or terminals under the jurisdiction of a contracting State to Annex VI must be fitted with vapor emission control systems (VECs) approved by the Administration based on the guidelines contained in MSC/Circ.585, Standards for Vapor Emission Control Systems. Contracting States must notify IMO of the enforcement date, the size of tanker and the type of cargoes that will require a VECs, at least 6 months prior to the enforcement date for their respective terminals. Tankers without VECs may be accepted by terminals installed with VECs for a period of up to 3 years after the enforcement date for that terminal.