New Zealand will soon be joining MARPOL Annex VI, which is part of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) Marine Pollution Convention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from ships. Maritime NZ have just released for public consultation the draft Marine Protection Rules to support the implementation of MARPOL Annex VI.
Consultation will be open for four weeks to give interested stakeholders and members of the public an opportunity to provide feedback. Anyone wishing to make comment can access the draft Marine Protection Rules via the consultation page on Maritime NZ’s website.
“Releasing the draft Marine Protection Rules is the culmination of over 12 months of work. The current document reflects feedback from early engagement with industry stakeholders and interested parties,” says Peter Brunt, Deputy Director Regulatory Systems Design for Maritime NZ.
“Cabinet agreed in 2019 to adopt MARPOL Annex VI and once the Rules are implemented in 2022, New Zealand’s obligations will include limiting sulphur fuels on ships, energy efficiency requirements, and controls on emissions of ozone-depleting substances, among others. By implementing these environmental measures, New Zealand joins other jurisdictions such as the USA and U.K. who already have MARPOL Annex VI in place.”
“It is a detailed and multifaceted set of Rules and it is important that ship operators and ports are aware of what they will need to do to comply,” says Peter.
Maritime NZ is working closely with the Ministry of Transport and other government agencies to implement MARPOL Annex VI and ensure the new requirements are introduced in a way that supports New Zealand’s fleet to comply with the changes.
Following consultation, Maritime NZ will refine the draft Rules based on the submissions and will focus on implementation of the Rules through a variety of activities. This will include developing comprehensive guidance for how to comply with the new marine protection Rules.
Peter adds, “In a country where the sea plays such a big part in our lives, reducing the impact of shipping on climate change will benefit all of us. Maritime NZ is pleased to be working with the Ministry of Transport and others on these important Rules. We are looking forward to hearing from a range of stakeholders, so we can ensure that MARPOL Annex VI is rolled out successfully.”
