Revised Ship Sewage Regs Adopted
Revised regulations for the prevention of pollution of the oceans by sewage from ships have been adopted by IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), which met for its 51st session from March 29 to April 2, 2004. The Committee also approved in principle the designation of three new Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs). Other important items on the agenda included follow-up to the adoption of the new Ballast Water Convention, air pollution and ship recycling. The revised MARPOL Annex IV containing regulations for the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships was formally adopted and is expected to enter into force on 1 August 2005.
Ship Recycling Discussed at IMO
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) considered the first draft of a proposed new international instrument on ship recycling when it met for its 54th session from 20-24 March. Other issues on the agenda included ballast water management and air pollution from ships. The Committee also adopted a number of amendments to the MARPOL Convention. The MEPC made progress in developing the draft text of a mandatory instrument providing globally-applicable ship recycling regulations for international shipping and for recycling activities. A Working Group on Ship Recycling met during the session to work on the draft text and discuss related issues.
