INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
COMMITTEE
43rd session
Agenda item 10
MEPC 43/10/4
28 April 1999
Original: ENGLISH
PREVENTION OF AIR POLLUTION FROM SHIPS
Interpretation of some items to be rectified in the NOx Technical Code
Submitted by Japan
SUMMARY
Executive summary:
This submission points out some items to be rectified in the NOx Technical Code, and emphasizes the necessity for making the interpretation of them before the Protocol of 1997 to MARPOL 73/78 enters into force.
Action to be taken: Paragraph 4
Related documents: MP/CONF.3/35, MEPC 43/10/3
1 In September 1997, the Protocol of 1997 to MARPOL 73/78 was adopted to introduce new Annex VI. This Annex requires that the survey of engines and equipment shall be conducted in accordance with the Technical Code on Control of Emission of Nitrogen Oxides from Marine Diesel Engine (NOx Technical Code). When the 1997 Protocol enters into force, the requirements of the NOx emission restriction shall apply to each diesel engine retroactively with a power output of more than 130 kW which is installed on a ship constructed on or after 1 January 2000, or which undergoes a major conversion on or after 1 January 2000.
2 Because of the retroactive application of NOx emission restriction by the calendar date of 1 January 2000, Japanese engine makers are calculating exhaust gas mass flow in accordance with the NOx Technical Code in order to avoid confusion by shipowners and other interested parties whenever the Protocol of 1997 enters into force. In the process of these calculations, several simple editorial errors have been found in the NOx Technical Code (MEPC 43/10/3).
3 Together with these errors, theoretically some items to be rectified have been found in the NOx Technical Code, as shown in annex. The 1997 Protocol has not yet satisfied the entry into force conditions, however, Japan considers that it is necessary to put a clear interpretation on these items, and it is desirable that these will be rectified when the Protocol of 1997 enters into force.
Action requested of the Committee
4 The Committee is invited to consider some items listed in the annex and take action as appropriate.
