E

4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210

MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.7
16 December 2022

UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS TO MARPOL ANNEX VI

1 The Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its seventy-ninth session

(12 to 16 December 2022), approved unified interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI, which
included:

.1 extending the scope of the unified interpretation of regulation 18.3 of

MARPOL Annex VI concerning the use of biofuels to include synthetic fuels;

.2 clarifying the reporting of boil-off gas (BOG) consumed on board ships in the
IMO Data Collection System (IMO DCS);

.3 clarifying EEDI reporting requirements in regulation 22.3 of MARPOL

Annex VI; and

.4 issues related to the development and verification of the SEEMP and the
issuance of the Statement of Compliance for CII reporting.

2 The updated consolidated text of all existing unified interpretations to

MARPOL Annex VI, including those set out in circular MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.6, are set out in
the annex.

3 The regulation numbers in the annexed unified interpretations refer to

the 2021 Revised MARPOL Annex VI, as adopted by resolution MEPC.328(76), which entered
into force on 1 November 2022.

4 Member Governments are invited to apply the annexed unified interpretations to

MARPOL Annex VI, as appropriate, and bring them to the attention of all Parties concerned.

5 Member Governments are also invited to note MEPC.1/Circ.897 setting out

cross-reference tables between the 2021 Revised MARPOL Annex VI and the previous
MARPOL Annex VI.

6 This circular revokes MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.6.

***

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ANNEX

UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS TO MARPOL ANNEX VI

1 Definition of "new ship"

Regulation 2
Definitions

Regulation 2.2.18 reads as follows:

"New ship means a ship:

.1 for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2013;

or

.2 in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid or

which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2013; or

.3 the delivery of which is on or after 1 July 2015."

Interpretation:

1.1 For the application of the definition "new ship" as specified in regulation 2.2.18 to each
Phase specified in table 1 of regulation 24, it should be interpreted as follows:

.1 the date specified in regulation 2.2.18.1 should be replaced with the start
date of each Phase;

.2 the date specified in regulation 2.2.18.2 should be replaced with the date six
months after the start date and end date of each Phase; and

.3 the date specified in regulation 2.2.18.3 should, for Phase 1, 2 and 3, be

replaced with the date 48 months after the start date and end date of each
Phase.

1.2 With the above interpretations, the required EEDI of each phase is applied to the
following new ship which falls into one of the categories defined in regulations 2.2.5, 2.2.7,
2.2.9, 2.2.14, 2.2.15, 2.2.22, 2.2.29 and to which chapter 4 is applicable:

.1 the required EEDI of Phase 0 is applied to the following new ship:

.1 the building contract of which is placed in Phase 0, and the delivery

is before 1 January 2019; or

.2 the building contract of which is placed before Phase 0, and the

delivery is on or after 1 July 2015 and before 1 January 2019; or

in the absence of a building contract:

.3 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction

on or after 1 July 2013 and before 1 July 2015, and the delivery is
before 1 January 2019; or

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.4 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction

before 1 July 2013, and the delivery is on or after 1 July 2015 and
before 1 January 2019;

.2 the required EEDI of Phase 1 is applied to the following new ship:

.1 the building contract of which is placed in Phase 1, and the delivery

is before 1 January 2024; or

.2 the building contract of which is placed before Phase 1, and the

delivery is on or after 1 January 2019 and before 1 January 2024;
or

in the absence of a building contract:

.3 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction

on or after 1 July 2015 and before 1 July 2020, and the delivery is
before 1 January 2024; or

.4 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction

before 1 July 2015, and the delivery is on or after 1 January 2019
and before 1 January 2024;

.3 the required EEDI of Phase 2 is applied to the following new ship:

.1 for ship types where Phase 2 ends on 31 March 2022:

.1 the building contract of which is placed in Phase 2, and the

delivery is before 1 April 2026; or

.2 the building contract of which is placed before Phase 2, and

the delivery is on or after 1 January 2024 and
before 1 April 2026; or

in the absence of a building contract:

.3 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction on or after 1 July 2020 and
before 1 October 2022, and the delivery is before 1 April 2026;
or

.4 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction before 1 July 2020, and the delivery is on or
after 1 January 2024 and before 1 April 2026;

.2 for ship types where Phase 2 ends on 31 December 2024:

.1 the building contract of which is placed in Phase 2, and the

delivery is before 1 January 2029; or

.2 the building contract of which is placed before Phase 2, and

the delivery is on or after 1 January 2024 and
before 1 January 2029; or

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in the absence of a building contract:

.3 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction on or after 1 July 2020 and before 1 July 2025,
and the delivery is before 1 January 2029; or

.4 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction before 1 July 2020, and the delivery is on or
after 1 January 2024 and before 1 January 2029;

.4 the required EEDI of Phase 3 is applied to the following new ship:

.1 for ship types where Phase 3 commences with 1 April 2022 and
onwards:

.1 the building contract of which is placed in Phase 3; or

.2 the building contract of which is placed before Phase 3, and

the delivery is on or after 1 April 2026; or

in the absence of a building contract:

.3 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction on or after 1 October 2022; or

.4 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction before 1 October 2022 and the delivery of
which is on or after 1 April 2026;

.2 for ship types where Phase 3 commences with 1 January 2025 and
onwards:

.1 the building contract of which is placed in Phase 3; or

.2 the building contract of which is placed before Phase 3, and

the delivery is on or after 1 January 2029; or

in the absence of a building contract:

.3 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction on or after 1 July 2025; or

.4 the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of

construction before 1 July 2025 and the delivery of which
is on or after 1 January 2029.

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2 Major conversion

Regulation 2
Definitions

Regulation 2.2.17 reads as follows:

"Major conversion means in relation to chapter 4 of this Annex a conversion of a ship:

.1 which substantially alters the dimensions, carrying capacity or

engine power of the ship; or

.2 which changes the type of the ship; or

.3 the intent of which in the opinion of the Administration is

substantially to prolong the life of the ship; or

.4 which otherwise so alters the ship that, if it were a new ship, it would
become subject to relevant provisions of the present Convention not
applicable to it as an existing ship; or

.5 which substantially alters the energy efficiency of the ship and

includes any modifications that could cause the ship to exceed the
applicable required EEDI as set out in regulation 24 of this Annex or
the applicable required EEXI as set out in regulation 25 of this
Annex."

Interpretation:

2.1 For regulation 2.2.17.1, any substantial change in hull dimensions and/or capacity
(e.g. change of length between perpendiculars (LPP) or change of assigned freeboard) should
be considered a major conversion. Any substantial increase of total engine power for
propulsion (e.g. 5% or more) should be considered a major conversion. In any case, it is the
Administration's authority to evaluate and decide whether an alteration should be considered
as major conversion, consistent with chapter 4.

Note: Notwithstanding paragraph 2.1, assuming no alteration to the ship structure,

both decrease of assigned freeboard and temporary increase of assigned
freeboard due to the limitation of deadweight or draft at calling port should
not be construed as a major conversion. However, an increase of assigned
freeboard, except a temporary increase, should be construed as a major
conversion.

2.2 Notwithstanding paragraph 2.1, for regulation 2.2.17.5, the effect on Attained EEDI
as a result of any change of ships' parameters, particularly any increase in total engine power
for propulsion, should be investigated. In any case, it is the Administration's authority to
evaluate and decide whether an alteration should be considered as major conversion,
consistent with chapter 4.

2.3 A company may, at any time, voluntarily request re-certification of the EEDI, with
IEE Certificate reissuance, on the basis of any new improvements to the ships' efficiency that
are not considered to be major conversions.

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2.4 In regulation 2.2.17.4, the terms "new ship" and "existing ship" should be understood
as they are used in MARPOL Annex I, regulation 1.9.1.4, rather than as the defined terms in
regulations 2.2.13 and 2.2.18.

2.5 The term "a ship" referred to in regulation 5.4.2 is interpreted as "new ship".

3 Ships dedicated to the carriage of fruit juice in refrigerated cargo tanks

Regulation 2
Definitions

Regulation 2.2.22 reads as follows:

"Refrigerated cargo carrier means a ship designed exclusively for the carriage of
refrigerated cargoes in holds."

Interpretation:

3.1 Ships dedicated to the carriage of fruit juice in refrigerated cargo tanks should be
categorized as refrigerated cargo carrier.

4 Timing for existing ships to have on board a SEEMP

Regulation 5
Surveys

Regulation 5.4.4 reads as follows:

"For existing ships, the verification of the requirement to have a SEEMP on board
according to regulation 26 of this Annex shall take place at the first intermediate or
renewal survey identified in paragraph 1 of this regulation, whichever is the first,
on or after 1 January 2013."

Regulation 6
Issue or endorsement of Certificates and Statements of Compliance related to fuel oil
consumption reporting and operational carbon intensity rating

Regulation 6.4 reads as follows:

"An International Energy Efficiency Certificate for the ship shall be issued after a
survey in accordance with the provisions of regulation 5.4 of this Annex to any ship
of 400 gross tonnage and above before that ship may engage in voyages to ports or
offshore terminals under the jurisdiction of other Parties."

Regulation 26
Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

Regulation 26.1 reads as follows:

"Each ship shall keep on board a ship specific Ship Energy Efficiency Management
Plan (SEEMP). This may form part of the ship's Safety Management System (SMS)."

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Interpretation:

4.1 The International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) should be issued for both new
and existing ships to which chapter 4 applies. Ships which are not required to keep an SEEMP
on board are not required to be issued with an IEEC.

4.2 The SEEMP required by regulation 26.1 is not required to be placed on board an
existing ship to which this regulation applies until the verification survey specified in
regulation 5.4.4 is carried out.

4.3 For existing ships, a SEEMP required in accordance with regulation 26 should be
verified on board according to regulation 5.4.4, and an IEEC should be issued, not later than
the first intermediate or renewal survey, in accordance with chapter 2, whichever is earlier, on
or after 1 January 2013, i.e. a survey connected to an intermediate/renewal survey of the IAPP
Certificate.

4.4 The intermediate or renewal survey referenced in paragraph 4.3 relates solely to the
timing of the verification of the SEEMP on board, i.e. these IAPP Certificate survey windows
will also become the IEEC initial survey date for existing ships. The SEEMP is, however,
a survey item solely under chapter 4 and is not a survey item relating to IAPP Certificate
surveys.

4.5 In the event that the SEEMP is not available on board during the first
intermediate/renewal survey of the IAPP Certificate on or after 1 January 2013, the RO should
seek the advice of the Administration concerning the issuance of an IEEC and be guided
accordingly. However, the validity of the IAPP Certificate is not impacted by the lack of a
SEEMP as the SEEMP is a survey item solely under chapter 4 and not under the IAPP
Certificate surveys.

4.6 With respect to ships required to keep on board a SEEMP, such ships exclude
platforms (including FPSOs and FSUs) and drilling rigs, regardless of their propulsion, and any
other ship without means of propulsion.

4.7 The SEEMP should be written in a working language or languages understood by

ships' personnel.

5 Section 2.3 of the supplement to the IAPP Certificate

Regulation 8
Form of Certificates and Statements of Compliance related to fuel oil consumption reporting
and operational carbon intensity rating

Regulation 8.1 reads as follows:

"The International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate shall be drawn up in a form

corresponding to the model given in appendix I to this Annex and shall be at least in
English, French or Spanish. If an official language of the issuing country is also used,
this shall prevail in case of a dispute or discrepancy."

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Appendix I
Form of International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate (Regulation 8)

Section 2.3 of the supplement to International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate reads as
follows:

"2.3 Sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (regulation 14).

2.3.1 When the ship operates outside of an emission control area specified in
regulation 14.3, the ship uses:

.1 fuel oil with a sulphur content as documented by bunker delivery

notes that does not exceed the limit value of 0.50% m/m, and/or
……………………….....………….…….…………........................□

.2 an equivalent arrangement approved in accordance with

regulation 4.1 as listed in paragraph 2.6 that is at least as effective
in terms of SOx emission reductions as compared to using a fuel oil
with a sulphur content limit value of 0.50% m/m
………………….....………….................……………….................□

2.3.2 When the ship operates inside an emission control area specified in
regulation 14.3, the ship uses:

.1 fuel oil with a sulphur content as documented by bunker delivery

notes that does not exceed the limit value of 0.10% m/m, and/or
……………………………………………...…………………...……□

.2 an equivalent arrangement approved in accordance with

regulation 4.1 as listed in paragraph 2.6 that is at least as effective
in terms of SOx emission reductions as compared to using a fuel oil
with a sulphur content limit value of 0.10% m/m
………………………………………………………………...………□

2.3.3 For a ship without an equivalent arrangement approved in accordance with

regulation 4.1 as listed in paragraph 2.6, the sulphur content of fuel oil carried
for use on board the ship shall not exceed 0.50% m/m as documented by
bunker delivery notes
……………………………………………………………………………...……□"

Interpretation:

5.1 Section 2.3 of the Supplement ("as documented by bunker delivery notes") allows for
an "x" to be entered in advance of the dates indicated in all of the relevant check boxes
recognizing that the bunker delivery notes, required to be retained on board for a minimum
period of three years, provide the subsequent means to check that a ship is actually operating
in a manner consistent with the intent as given in section 2.3.

6 Identical replacement engines

Regulation 13
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Regulation 13.1.1.2 reads as follows:

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"Each marine diesel engine with a power output of more than 130 kW that undergoes
a major conversion on or after 1 January 2000 except when demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the Administration that such engine is an identical replacement to the
engine that it is replacing and is otherwise not covered under paragraph 1.1.1 of this
regulation."

Regulation 13.2.2 reads as follows:

"For a major conversion involving the replacement of a marine diesel engine with a
non-identical marine diesel engine or the installation of an additional marine diesel
engine, the standards in this regulation at the time of the replacement or addition of
the engine shall apply."

Interpretation:

6.1 In regulation 13.1.1.2, the term "identical" (and hence, by application of the converse,
in regulation 13.2.2 the term "non-identical") as applied to engines under regulation 13 should
be taken as:

6.2 An "identical engine" is, as compared to the engine being replaced,1 an engine which
is of the same:

.1 design and model;

.2 rated power;

.3 rated speed;

.4 use;

.5 number of cylinders; and

.6 fuel system type (including, if applicable, injection control software):

.1 for engines without EIAPP certification, have the same NOX critical
components and settings;2 or

1
In those instances where the replaced engine will not be available to be directly compared with the replacing
engine at the time of updating the Supplement to the IAPP Certificate reflecting that engine change it is to
be ensured that the necessary records in respect of the replaced engine are available in order that it can be
confirmed that the replacing engine represents "an identical engine".
2
For engines without EIAPP Certification there will not be the defining NOx critical component markings or
setting values as usually given in the approved Technical File. Consequently, in these instances, the
assessment of "... same NOx critical components and settings ..." shall be established on the basis that the
following components and settings are the same:
Fuel system:
.1 fuel pump model and injection timing; and
.2 injection nozzle model.
Charge air:
.1 configuration and, if applicable, turbocharger model and auxiliary blower specification; and
.2 Cooling medium (seawater/freshwater).

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.2 for engines with EIAPP certification, belonging to the same Engine

Group/Engine Family.

7 Time of replacement of an engine

Regulation 13
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Regulation 13.2.2 reads as follows:

"For a major conversion involving the replacement of a marine diesel engine with a
non-identical marine diesel engine, or the installation of an additional marine diesel
engine, the standards in this regulation at the time of the replacement or addition of
the engine shall apply."

Interpretation:

7.1 The term "time of the replacement or addition" of the engine in regulation 13.2.2
should be taken as the date of:

.1 the contractual delivery date of the engine to the ship;3 or

.2 in the absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery date of the
engine to the ship,3 provided that the date is confirmed by a delivery receipt; or

.3 in the event the engine is fitted on board and tested for its intended purpose
on or after six months from the date specified in sub-paragraphs of
regulation 13.5.1.2, as appropriate, the actual date that the engine is tested
on board for its intended purpose applies in determining the standards in this
regulation in force at the time of the replacement or addition of the engine.

7.2 Entry of the date in paragraph 7.1 above, provided the conditions associated with those
dates apply, should be made in the item 8.a "Major conversion – According to
regulations 13.2.1.1 and 13.2.2" of the Supplement of IAPP Certificate.

7.3 If the engine is not tested within six months after the date specified in sub-paragraphs
of regulation 13.5.1.2, as appropriate due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the
shipowner, then the provisions of "unforeseen delay in delivery" may be considered by the
Administration in a manner similar to UI4 of MARPOL Annex I.

8 Engine changeover/on-off recording requirements

Regulation 13
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Regulation 13.5.3 reads as follows:

"The tier and on/off status of marine diesel engines installed on board a ship to which
paragraph 5.1 of this regulation applies which are certified to both Tier II and Tier III
or which are certified to Tier II only shall be recorded in such logbook or electronic
record book as prescribed by the Administration at entry into and exit from a NOx
Tier III emission control area, or when the on/off status changes within such an area,
together with the date, time and position of the ship."

3
The engine is to be fitted on board and tested for its intended purpose within six months after the date
specified in sub-paragraphs of regulation 13.5.1.2, as appropriate.

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Interpretation:

8.1 For the application of this regulation:

.1 "marine diesel engines installed on board a ship to which paragraph 5.1 of

this regulation applies" includes additional or replaced engines;4 installed on
or after the relevant emission control area takes effect;

.2 "certified to Tier II only" means a Tier II engine that is installed on board a

ship which is constructed on or after the emission control area where the ship
is operating takes effect;

.3 Tier II engines stipulated under the Tier II requirement of regulation 13.4,

i.e. Tier II engines installed on board a ship constructed before the entry into
force of the emission control area where the ship is operating, are not
considered to be a "Tier II only" engine in the context of record keeping.
Such exclusion is extended to Tier II engines replaced after the entry into
force of the relevant emission control areas on board ships of this category,
if the replacement engines meet resolution MEPC.230(65);

.4 if an engine installed on a ship constructed before the entry into force of the
emission control area where the ship is operating has undergone a major
conversion as described in regulation 13.2.1, those engines are to be Tier III
engines; thus the above interpretation in .1 above applies; and

.5 recording is required for the Tier II engine operation in a NECA under the
exemption according to regulation 13.5.4.

9 Application of sulphur limit to emergency equipment

Regulation 14
Sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter

Regulation 14.1 reads as follows:

"The sulphur content of fuel oil used or carried for use on board a ship shall not exceed
0.50% m/m."

Interpretation:

9.1 Regulation 14.1 of MARPOL Annex VI for the prohibition on the carriage of non-
compliant fuel oil should be applied to the fuel oil of emergency equipment.

4
Additional or replaced engine: refer to section 7.1 of MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.6.

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10 VOC management plan

Regulation 15
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Regulations 15.6 and 15.7 read as follows:

"6 A tanker carrying crude oil shall have on board and implement a VOC
management plan approved by the Administration. Such a plan shall be
prepared taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization.
The plan shall be specific to each ship and shall at least:

.1 provide written procedures for minimizing VOC emissions during the

loading, sea passage and discharge of cargo;

.2 give consideration to the additional VOC generated by crude oil

washing;

.3 identify a person responsible for implementing the plan; and

.4 for ships on international voyages, be written in the working

language of the master and officers and, if the working language of
the master and officers is not English, French or Spanish, include a
translation into one of these languages.

7 This regulation shall also apply to gas carriers only if the types of loading and
containment systems allow safe retention of non-methane VOCs on board
or their safe return ashore.5 "

Interpretation:

10.1 The requirement for a VOC management plan applies only to a tanker carrying crude oil.

11 Continuous-feed type shipboard incinerators

Regulation 16
Shipboard incineration

Regulation 16.9 reads as follows:

"For incinerators installed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 6.1 of

this regulation the combustion chamber gas outlet temperature shall be monitored at
all times the unit is in operation. Where that incinerator is of the continuous-feed type,
waste shall not be fed into the unit when the combustion chamber gas outlet
temperature is below 850°C. Where that incinerator is of the batch-loaded type, the
unit shall be designed so that the combustion chamber gas outlet temperature shall
reach 600°C within five minutes after start-up and will thereafter stabilize at a
temperature not less than 850°C."

5
Resolution MSC.30(61) on International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying
Liquefied Gases in Bulk.

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Interpretation:

11.1 For the application of this regulation, the term "waste shall not be fed into the unit"
should be interpreted as follows:

For continuous-feed incinerators solid waste shall not be fed into the unit when the
combustion chamber flue gas outlet temperature is below 850°C. Sludge oil
generated during normal operation of a ship should not be regarded as waste in
connection with this regulation, and can be fed into the unit when the required preheat
temperature of 650°C in the combustion chamber is achieved.

11.2 For the application of this regulation, the term "the unit shall be designed so that the
combustion chamber gas outlet temperature shall reach 600°C within five minutes after start
up" should be interpreted as follows:

Batch loaded incinerators should be designed so that the temperature in the actual
combustion space where the solid waste is combusted should reach 600°C within five
minutes after start-up.

12 Applicability of the requirements for a bunker delivery note

Regulation 18
Fuel oil availability and quality

Regulation 18.5 reads as follows:

"For each ship subject to regulations 5 and 6 of this Annex, details of fuel oil for
combustion purposes delivered to and used on board shall be recorded by means of
a bunker delivery note that shall contain at least the information specified in
appendix V to this Annex."

Regulation 18.6 reads as follows:

"The bunker delivery note shall be kept on board the ship in such a place as to be
readily available for inspection at all reasonable times. It shall be retained for a period
of three years after the fuel oil has been delivered on board."

Interpretation:

12.1 For the application of these regulations, they should be interpreted as being
applicable to all ships of 400 gross tonnage or above and, at the Administration's discretion, to
ships of less than 400 gross tonnage.

13 Application of regulation 18.3 for biofuel and synthetic fuel

Regulation 18
Fuel oil availability and quality

Regulation 18.3 reads as follows:

"Fuel oil for combustion purposes delivered to and used on board ships to which this
Annex applies shall meet the following requirements."

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Interpretation

13.1 A fuel oil which is a blend of not more than 30% by volume of biofuel or synthetic fuel
should meet the requirements of regulation 18.3.1 of MARPOL Annex VI. A fuel oil which is a
blend of more than 30% by volume of biofuel or synthetic fuel should meet the requirements
of regulation 18.3.2 of MARPOL Annex VI. For the purposes of this interpretation, a biofuel is
a fuel oil which is derived from biomass and hence includes, but is not limited to, processed
used cooking oils, fatty-acid-methyl-esters (FAME) or fatty-acid-ethyl-esters (FAEE), straight
vegetable oils (SVO), hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), glycerol or other biomass to liquid
(BTL) type products. For the purposes of this interpretation, a synthetic fuel is a fuel oil from
synthetic or renewable sources similar in composition to petroleum distillate fuels. The Product
Name, as entered onto the bunker delivery note, should be of sufficient detail to identify
whether, and to what extent, a biofuel or a synthetic fuel is blended into the product as supplied.

Regulation 18.3.2.2 reads as follows:

"fuel oil for combustion purposes derived by methods other than petroleum refining
shall not cause an engine to exceed the applicable NOX emission limit set forth in
paragraphs 3, 4, 5.1.1 and 7.4 of regulation 13."

Interpretation

13.2 A marine diesel engine certified in accordance with the requirements of regulation 13
of MARPOL Annex VI, which can operate on a biofuel or a synthetic fuel or blends containing
these fuels without changes to its NOx critical components or settings/operating values outside
those as given by that engineʹs approved Technical File, should be permitted to use such a
fuel oil without having to undertake the assessment as given by regulation 18.3.2.2 of
MARPOL Annex VI. For the purposes of this interpretation, parent engine emissions tests
undertaken on DM or RM grade fuels to the ISO 8217:2005 standard, as required by
paragraph 5.3.2 of the NOx Technical Code, should be valid for all DM or RM grade fuels used
in operation, or that the engine may be designed for, or capable of operation on, including
those meeting the ISO 8217 standards superseding ISO 8217:2005.

13.3 Where fuel oils are derived from methods other than petroleum refining, or fuel oil
which is a blend of more than 30% by volume of biofuel or synthetic fuel and does not fall
under 13.2 of this unified interpretation, or other fuels required to undertake the assessment
as given by regulation 18.3.2.2 of MARPOL Annex VI and for which have not been specifically
certified in accordance with the regulation 13 limits at test bed for that specific fuel and Engine
Group/Family, the following is interpreted as an acceptable route to demonstrate compliance
with regulation 18.3.2.2:

.1 the ship's IAPP Certificate may continue to be issued where the overall NOx
emissions performance has been verified to not cause the specified engine
to exceed the applicable NOx emissions limit when burning said fuels using
the onboard simplified measurement method in accordance with 6.3 of the
NOx Technical Code 2008, or the direct measurement and monitoring
method in accordance with 6.4 of the NOx Technical Code 2008, or by
reference to relevant test-bed testing. For the purposes of this interpretation
and demonstration of compliance with regulation 18.3.2.2 of MARPOL
Annex VI, and as applicable to possible deviations when undertaking
measurements on board, an allowance of 10% of the applicable limit may be
accepted.

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14 Confirmation of compliance for new ships

Regulation 5
Surveys

Regulation 5.4.5 reads as follows:

"The Administration shall ensure that for each ship to which regulation 27 applies, the
SEEMP complies with regulation 26.2 of this Annex. This shall be done prior to
collecting data under regulation 27 of this Annex in order to ensure the methodology
and processes are in place prior to the beginning of the ship's first reporting period.
Confirmation of compliance shall be provided to and retained on board the ship."

Regulation 26
Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

Regulation 26.2 reads as follows:

"In the case of a ship of 5,000 gross tonnage and above, the SEEMP shall include a
description of the methodology that will be used to collect the data required by
regulation 27.1 of this Annex and the processes that will be used to report the data to
the ship's Administration."

Interpretation:

14.1 Ships should keep on board both a SEEMP that is in compliance with regulation 26.2
and confirmation of compliance as required by regulation 5.4.5.

15 Boil-off gas consumed on board ships

Regulation 2
Definitions

Regulation 2.1.14 reads as follows:

"Fuel oil means any fuel delivered to and intended for combustion purposes for
propulsion or operation on board a ship, including gas, distillate and residual fuels."

Regulation 27
Collection and reporting of ship fuel oil consumption data

Regulation 27.1 reads as follows:

"From calendar year 2019, each ship of 5,000 gross tonnage and above shall collect
the data specified in appendix IX to this Annex, for that and each subsequent calendar
year or portion thereof, as appropriate, according to the methodology included in the
SEEMP."

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Appendix IX
Information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database

Appendix IX reads as follows:

"Fuel oil consumption, by fuel oil type in metric tonnes and methods used for collecting
fuel oil consumption data".

Interpretation:

15.1 For Data relating to Boil-off Gas (BOG) consumed on board the ship for propulsion or
operation (e.g. BOG used for propulsion, operational needs such as in a boiler, or burnt in a
Gas Combustion Unit (GCU) for cargo tank pressure control or other operational purposes) is
required to be collected and reported as fuel as part of the Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Data
Collection System.

16 Access to the disaggregated data

Regulation 27
Collection and reporting of ship fuel oil consumption data

Regulation 27.8 reads as follows:

"Except as provided for in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of this regulation, the disaggregated

data that underlies the reported data noted in appendix IX to this Annex for the
previous calendar year shall be readily accessible for a period of not less than 12
months from the end of that calendar year and be made available to the Administration
upon request."

Interpretation:

16.1 The disaggregated data is not required to be kept on board the ship provided that the
disaggregated data can be made available by the Company.

17 Requirements for reporting attained EEDI and relevant information

Regulation 22
Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (attained EEDI)

Regulation 22.3 reads as follows:

"For each ship subject to regulation 24 of this Annex, the Administration or any
organization duly authorized by it shall report to the Organization the required and
attained EEDI values and relevant information, taking into account the guidelines
developed by the Organization, via electronic communication:

.1 within seven months of completing the survey required under regulation 5.4
of this Annex; or

.2 within seven months following 1 April 2022 for a ship delivered prior
to 1 April 2022."

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Interpretation:

17.1 For new ships that have completed the initial survey required in regulation 5.4.1 of
MARPOL Annex VI on or after 1 April 2022, the EEDI data and relevant information shall be
submitted within seven months after the completion date of the initial survey (in accordance
with regulation 22.3.1).

17.2 For new ships that have completed the initial survey required in regulation 5.4.1
of MARPOL Annex VI prior to 1 April 2022:

.1 if they have not undergone a major conversion specified in regulation 5.4.2

or 5.4.3, the EEDI data and relevant information shall be submitted within
seven months after 1 April 2022 (in accordance with regulation 22.3.2);

.2 if they have undergone a major conversion specified in regulation 5.4.2

or 5.4.3 on or after 1 April 2022, the EEDI data and relevant information of
the major conversion shall be submitted within seven months after the
completion date of general or partial survey required in regulation 5.4.2 or
the initial survey required in regulation 5.4.3 (in accordance with
regulation 22.3.1); and

.3 if they have completed a major conversion specified in regulation 5.4.2

or 5.4.3 prior to 1 April 2022, the EEDI data and relevant information of the
major conversion shall be submitted within seven months after 1 April 2022
(in accordance with regulation 22.3.2).

17.3 For existing ships that have completed the initial survey required in regulation 5.4.3
of MARPOL Annex VI on or after 1 April 2022, the EEDI data and relevant information shall be
submitted within seven months after the completion date of the initial survey (in accordance
with regulation 22.3.1).

17.4 For existing ships that have completed the initial survey required in regulation 5.4.3
of MARPOL Annex VI prior to 1 April 2022, the EEDI data and relevant information shall be
submitted within seven months after 1 April 2022 (in accordance with regulation 22.3.2).

17.5 For ships for which up-to-date EEDI data have already been reported to the
Organization prior to 1 April 2022, the reporting of EEDI data and information shall not be
required on or after 1 April 2022.

18 Inclusion of the annual operational CII and rating in the Statement of

Compliance

Regulation 8
Form of Certificates and Statements of Compliance related to fuel oil consumption reporting
and operational carbon intensity rating
Regulation 8.3 reads as follows:

"The Statement of Compliance pursuant to regulations 6.6 and 6.7 of this Annex shall
be drawn up in a form corresponding to the model given in appendix X to this Annex
and shall be at least in English, French or Spanish. If an official language of the issuing
Party is also used, this shall prevail in case of a dispute or discrepancy."

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Interpretation:

18.1 The Statement of Compliance form given in appendix X of MARPOL Annex VI has
been updated to include the attained annual operational CII and the rating for ships to which
regulation 28 applies. The new form should be used from the entry into force date
(1 November 2022); however the new parts for the attained CII and rating will not be populated
until 2024 when the relevant values are available.

19 Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part III

Regulation 26
Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

Regulation 26.3.1 reads as follows:

"In the case of a ship of 5,000 gross tonnage and above, which falls into one or more
of the categories in regulations 2.2.5, 2.2.7, 2.2.9, 2.2.11, 2.2.14 to 2.2.16, 2.2.22, and
2.2.26 to 2.2.29 of this Annex:

.1 On or before 1 January 2023 the SEEMP shall include:

.1 a description of the methodology that will be used to calculate the

ship's attained annual operational CII required by regulation 28 of
this Annex and the processes that will be used to report this value
to the ship's Administration;

.2 the required annual operational CII, as specified in regulation 28 of

this Annex, for the next three years;

.3 an implementation plan documenting how the required annual

operational CII will be achieved during the next three years; and

.4 a procedure for self-evaluation and improvement."

Interpretation:

19.1 A ship delivered after 1 January 2023 should comply with regulation 26.3.1 of
MARPOL Annex VI at delivery. If delivered on 1 October or later, the following year will then
be the first year of the three-year implementation plan and an inferior rating given, in
accordance with regulation 28.6 of MARPOL Annex VI, for the remainder of the calendar year
of delivery needs not to be counted in for the determination of whether the ship should develop
a Corrective Action Plan required by regulation 26.3.2 of MARPOL Annex VI. Nothing in this
interpretation relieves any ship of its reporting obligations under regulations 27 and 28
of MARPOL Annex VI.

19.2 A ship changing company, or changing from one Administration to another and from
one company to another concurrently, after 1 January 2023 should comply with
regulation 26.3.1 at change of company and a new SEEMP III will be required. The year of
change should be the first year of the next three-year implementation plan.

19.3 In order to document how the required annual operational CII will be achieved during
the next three years, the SEEMP Part III should be a rolling three-year plan, YYYY (first year
of implementation plan), YYYY+1 and YYYY+2.

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19.4 In the case of updating the SEEMP Part III on the elements in regulation 26.3.1 of
MARPOL Annex VI, the original three-year plan may remain.

20 Plan of corrective actions to achieve the required annual operational CII

Regulation 28
Operational carbon intensity

Regulation 28.7 reads as follows:

"A ship rated as D for three consecutive years or rated as E shall develop a plan of
corrective actions to achieve the required annual operational CII."

Regulation 28.9 reads as follows:

"A ship rated as D for three consecutive years or rated as E shall duly undertake the
planned corrective actions in accordance with the revised SEEMP."

Interpretation:

20.1 In case an inferior rating is given for data collected in calendar year YYYY, the revised
SEEMP, including the plan of corrective actions, should be verified in year YYYY+1, and it
should be developed to achieve the required annual operational CII for data collected in the
calendar year YYYY+2.

___________

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