What shipowners and operators need to know
While no immediate amendments were adopted to core performance standards such as MEPC.107(49) for bilge water treatment, MEPC.108(49) for oil discharge monitoring equipment and MEPC.340(77) for exhaust gas monitoring, the discussions highlight continued regulatory development in several areas. These include bilge water management, record keeping and verification, emissions and alternative fuels, and discharge monitoring.
This article summarises the key outcomes and what they mean for shipowners, operators and OEMs.
Bilge Water Management (MEPC.107(49)) – Revision of guidelines underway
One of the most significant topics at PPR 13 was the ongoing review of MEPC.107(49), the performance standard governing oily water separators and 15 ppm bilge alarms.
Originally introduced in 2003, the guidelines are being reviewed to reflect changes in fuel types, operating conditions and bilge water composition.
Key developments
A proposal submitted by Norway highlighted concerns that existing test fluids may not adequately represent modern bilge mixtures, particularly with the introduction of new fuel blends.
To address this, several technical measures were proposed for consideration in the revised guidelines:
- Alarm activation if sampling is interrupted or lost
- Installation of flow sensors in sampling lines
- Restrictions on adjustment of alarm settings
- Maximum response time of 20 seconds for alarm and automatic discharge stoppage
The Sub-Committee agreed that further work is required, with a correspondence group established to progress a draft revision ahead of PPR 14.
What this means
While no changes have yet been adopted, the direction of travel is clear.
There is an increasing focus on system reliability and fail-safe operation, more representative testing conditions and greater scrutiny of bilge monitoring performance.
Operators and OEMs should monitor developments closely, as future revisions may impact both type approval and operational expectations.
Integrated Bilge Systems and Forced Evaporation – New regulatory framework in development
The increasing use of integrated bilge water treatment systems and practices such as forced evaporation of oily bilge water were also discussed.
Currently, MARPOL Annex I does not provide a dedicated regulatory framework for these methods, which can create inconsistencies in how they are recorded and verified.
Key outcomes
PPR 13 finalised draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I, which will now be submitted to MEPC for approval and adoption. These include:
- Introduction of a new Regulation 12B for ships of 400 gross tonnage and above fitted with integrated bilge systems
- Updated requirements for the IOPP Certificate supplement, including declaration of disposal methods
- New Oil Record Book entries to capture additional bilge operations
For existing ships, compliance is required as far as reasonable and practicable.
What this means
These developments indicate a move towards formal regulation of integrated bilge systems, along with an increased need for clear and consistent recording of operations. There is also greater emphasis on verifiable disposal methods.
These changes reinforce the importance of accurate system operation and documentation.
IOPP Certificate and Oil Record Book – Increased focus on traceability
Alongside developments in bilge systems, PPR 13 agreed updates to documentation requirements under MARPOL Annex I. The revised framework aims to better align record keeping with real operational practices, including newer methods such as bilge evaporation.
Key developments
- Updated Oil Record Book (Part I) structure
- Additional mandatory entries for bilge handling operations
- Expanded IOPP Certificate supplement requirements
What this means
There is an increased emphasis on accurate and auditable records, along with greater scrutiny during port state control inspections. There is also a stronger linkage between system operation and documentation.
In practice, operators will need to ensure that recorded data accurately reflects onboard operations, with clear evidence available for inspection.
Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems – Ongoing debate on discharge water
Exhaust gas cleaning systems, commonly referred to as scrubbers, remain a key area of regulatory discussion. At PPR 13, focus centred on the environmental impact of discharge water, particularly in sensitive marine areas.
Key discussions
- Consideration of restrictions on discharge in Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas
- Recognition that new PSSA designations could include discharge limitations as protective measures
- Continued debate on the environmental impact of scrubber discharge water
The Sub-Committee agreed to continue discussions intersessionally, with further proposals expected at PPR 14.
What this means
There are no immediate global restrictions, but there is potential for regional or area-based limitations. There remains a degree of regulatory uncertainty in this area.
Operators should remain aware of local restrictions and future developments.
NOx Emissions and Alternative Fuels – Regulatory framework under review
PPR 13 also addressed evolving challenges in NOx emissions regulation, driven by changes in engine operation and fuel types.
Key issues identified
- Modern ships operating more frequently at low engine loads
- Existing NOx certification cycles not reflecting real-world conditions
- Increasing use of alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia
Outcomes
- Agreement on draft amendments to the NOx Technical Code
- New requirements for engines using non-carbon fuels or fuel mixtures
- Additional fuel analysis, emission measurement and onboard data recording
Further work will continue to address the impact of low-load operation on emissions.
What this means
NOx regulation is becoming more complex and increasingly data-driven. Certification processes are evolving to reflect new fuels and operating conditions, with a greater focus on real-world emissions performance.
Exhaust Gas Monitoring Systems (MEPC.340(77))
There were no direct amendments to MEPC.340(77) at PPR 13. However, ongoing developments in NOx regulation and emissions monitoring may influence future expectations for measurement and verification systems.
What this means
Current requirements remain unchanged, although future developments may impact monitoring and reporting practices.
Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment (MEPC.108(49)) – No amendments, but increased scrutiny expected
No specific changes to MEPC.108(49) were discussed at PPR 13.
However, developments in Oil Record Book requirements and discharge monitoring practices suggest an increased focus on the accuracy of discharge data, consistency between records and system operation, and traceability for inspection purposes.
What this means
There are no immediate regulatory changes, but there is an increased importance placed on data integrity and verification.
Marine Plastic Litter – Progress towards mandatory measures
Work continued under the IMO’s action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships.
Key developments
- Progress towards a mandatory framework for plastic pellet transport
- Consideration of regulatory options under MARPOL Annex III, SOLAS or a new code
- Draft guidance on fishing gear marking systems
What this means
Regulatory measures are evolving, with increased focus on cargo handling and waste management.
IBC Code and Chemical Cargoes – Annual updates agreed
PPR 13 approved updates to the MEPC.2 Circular, including additional requirements for high-viscosity and solidifying products, and approval of new tank cleaning additives.
Concerns were also raised regarding the availability of adequate port reception facilities.
What this means
There are ongoing updates to chemical cargo handling requirements, with potential operational implications for cargo discharge and cleaning.
Key Takeaways from PPR 13
- No immediate changes to MEPC.107(49), MEPC.108(49) or MEPC.340(77)
- Bilge water management remains under active review
- New requirements for IOPP Certificates and Oil Record Books
- NOx regulations evolving with alternative fuels and operating profiles
- Continued debate on exhaust gas cleaning system discharge water
- Progress on marine plastic litter regulations
Looking Ahead
While PPR 13 did not introduce immediate changes to core performance standards, it highlights a clear trend towards increased focus on system performance, operational practice and verifiable compliance.
For shipowners and operators, this means ensuring systems are operating as intended, maintaining accurate and consistent records, and monitoring regulatory developments closely.
As discussions continue towards PPR 14 and future MEPC sessions, further updates are expected across several key areas.