Effective date: 1 April 2022

Adopted by MEPC 75

Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI on the definition of sulphur content and fuel oil sampling

Amendments to Regulation 2 – Definitions

New definitions have been introduced for the following terms:

“Sulphur content of fuel oil”: the concentration of sulphur in any fuel oil, measured as a percentage by mass (% m/m), and tested in accordance with a standard acceptable to the Organization.

“Low-flashpoint fuel”: gaseous or liquid fuel with a flashpoint lower than that otherwise permitted under paragraph 2.1.1 of SOLAS regulation II-2/4.

“MARPOL delivered sample”: the sample of fuel oil delivered in accordance with regulation 18.8.1 of MARPOL Annex VI.

“In-use sample”: the sample of fuel oil in use on board a ship.

“On board sample”: the sample of fuel oil intended to be used or carried for use on board that ship.

Fuel oil sampling and testing

Amendments to Regulation 14 – Sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter

New paragraphs have been added concerning in-use and on-board fuel oil sampling and testing. These amendments also require one or more sampling points to be fitted or designated for the purpose of taking representative samples of the fuel oil being used, or carried for use, on board the ship. Representative samples of the fuel oil being used on board are to be taken to verify compliance with the regulation.

Amendments to Appendix I – International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate

Consequential amendments have been made to update the IAPP Certificate by adding a reference to sampling points and noting any exemption applicable to low-flashpoint fuel.

Amendments to Appendix VI – Fuel verification procedure for MARPOL Annex VI fuel oil samples

Consequential amendments have been made to the verification procedures to cover representative samples of in-use fuel oil and fuel oil carried on board.