Miscellaneous

Floating Offshore Installations

Based on submissions from previous MEPC meetings, Greenpeace questioned the need to consider if the overboard discharge provisions of Annex I are properly applied to floating storage/offloading units. A portion of the debate focused on the applicability of MARPOL to ships carrying oil insofar as it can apply to marine structures which hold vs transport oil. Arguments were also presented which indicated that the Articles of MARPOL do not discern between the origin of the source of oil pollution (i.e., shipboard operations vs produced oil). Also recognized were the rights of coastal States under the provisions of UNCLOS, to regulate installations and structures within their territorial waters. Based on the above, MEPC decided to task its subsidiary sub-committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases to evaluate the applicability of the regulations contained in MARPOL Annex I and to identify those regulations where uncertainty exists. Upon receipt of this initial assessment, MEPC42 will, in November, decide on an appropriate course of 1998 decide on an appropriate course of action.

North Sea Special Area

At the September 1997 meeting of MEPC40, it was agreed that North West European waters would be designated as a special area for the purposes of controlling discharges under MARPOL Annex I after 1 February 1999. This was subject to notification by the affected bordering States giving that their ports contain adequate reception facilities under the guidelines referred to in Regulation I/10. At MEPC41, all the bordering States provided such notification and it was agreed that effective 1 August 1999, the North West European waters will be considered as a “special area”. The North Sea area includes the Irish Sea, the Celtic Sea, the English Channel and its approaches, and part of the North East Atlantic immediately to the west of Ireland. As a designated special area, MARPOL 73/78 further restricts the discharge of any oily mixture. Depending on the type and size of ship (cargo ships -- greater than or equal to 400 gt -- and all oil tankers) discharge of effluent originating from within cargo pump rooms or machinery bilges is either prohibited or, if fitted with the required overboard discharge monitoring and auto-stop equipment, is limited to 15ppm or less during transit.

NLS Emergency Response Plans

Draft Regulation to Annex II of MARPOL was tentatively accepted, pending approval by MEPC42 in November 1998, which will require all ships of 150 gt and over which are certified under MARPOL Annex II to carry noxious liquid substances, to be provided with an approved Emergency Response Plan. Requirements for equipment and contingency plans for shore side facilities are nearing completion under the new draft Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Cooperation through the OPRC Convention.

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