MEPC 80 and the Future of Maritime Environmental Protection

MEPC (Marine Environment Protection Committee) 80 and the Future of Maritime Environmental Protection:  A Focus on Biofouling Regulations and EMCS Industries 

 The 80th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC 80) concluded this summer, bringing significant developments in maritime environmental protection. Our primary interest in the summit’s outcome was primarily on the biofouling regulations being presented for ship owners and operators (our customers) so that we could fully understand where our experience and solutions could be useful.  

 MEPC 80: A Summary Tackling Climate Change 

One of the central achievements of MEPC 80 was the unanimous adoption of the 2023 IMO GHG (Greenhouse Gas) strategy. This strategy aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by around 2050.  There is a strong emphasis on considering the unique circumstances of different nations. Key components of the strategy include: 

1. Strengthening energy efficiency design requirements for ships. 

1. Promoting alternative zero and near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels, and energy sources, aiming for them to constitute 5-10% of shipping energy by 2030. 

1. Reducing CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 2008. 

1. Establish indicative checkpoints for net-zero GHG emissions, including significant reductions by 2030 and 2040. 

1. Developing a basket of candidate measures, including a goal-based marine fuel standard and a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism. 

1. Approving “LCA guidelines” for calculating total GHG emissions related to marine fuel production and use. 

These measures underscore the maritime industry’s commitment to addressing climate change and decarbonizing shipping operations. We were encouraged to see that we have been and will continue to contribute in 1) and 3). 

 Biofouling Management (our core competency) 

At MEPC 80, considerable attention was directed towards controlling and managing ships’ biofouling issues, aiming to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species. 

As many of you know, biofouling refers to the accumulation of marine organisms on a vessel’s hull, internal seawater systems and niche areas.  This causes drag, reducing fuel efficiency, and facilitating the spread of invasive species, which has been a concern to our oceans and the conservation of biodiversity. Many marine species are transported via ships’ hulls, internal seawater systems, and niche areas, which have found a foothold in new environments, establishing reproductive populations, and morphing into invasive aquatic species.  

Over the past few decades, the problem of ship-borne invasive aquatic species has been exacerbated by the surge in global trade and maritime traffic and the far-reaching consequences of invasive aquatic species. According to the IMO, IAS (INVASIVE AQUATIC SPECIES) has become one of the most significant threats to our planet’s ecological and economic stability. They are wreaking havoc on biodiversity, endangering invaluable natural resources, and have direct and indirect health effects.  

The environmental damage often proves to be irreversible. Furthermore, the invasive species incursion inflicts substantial economic harm on industries reliant on coastal and marine ecosystems, including tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries. Moreover, the toll on infrastructure is not to be underestimated, translating into costly repairs and replacements. 

With such alarming and irreversible consequences, EMCS Industries Ltd, using its Canadian designed and engineered MARELCO system, has been a pioneering force in biofouling management for the past 68 years. As the inventor of the first electrolytic marine growth protection system, we have played a pivotal role in addressing the biofouling challenge.  

We applaud the guidelines established at MEPC 80, which provide ship owners and operators with a structured framework for biofouling control and management, empowering EMCS Industries to assist customers in creating effective biofouling management strategies. 

Every Vessel at Every Stage 

All ships are susceptible to some degree of biofouling due to various factors that include design, operating profiles, trading routes, and maintenance history. Implementing proactive biofouling management strategies (even as early as the design phase) can significantly reduce the risk of invasive aquatic species transfer.  

EMCS, proactively reaches out to Naval Architects, Shipbuilders, Owners and Operators to help create awareness about the importance of implementing an effective marine growth protection system in all vessels designs to ensure a proactive approach to invasive aquatic species. 

 Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future 

MEPC 80 represents a milestone in the ongoing quest to protect the environment and combat climate change within the maritime sector. Adopting the 2023 IMO GHG strategy and emphasizing biofouling management reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainability. 

EMCS Industries’ expertise in marine growth protection systems aligns seamlessly with MEPC 80’s goals. This enables vessels to reduce their environmental footprint vessel operating costs and actively contribute to the broader preservation of marine ecosystems. As we move forward, the collaboration between the industry and regulatory authorities is a promising sign of a collective effort to usher in change.  

We encourage our industry partners to contact us. Let’s discuss how we can work together to implement an effective biofouling management strategy. 

Sources: 

https://www.bimco.org/insights-and-information/safety-security-environment/20230710-mepc-80-biofouling 

https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Biofouling.aspx