IMO and ILO MARPOL Annex VI

MARPOL Annex VI - Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships

Entry into force: 19 May 2005

Annex VI is the last of the optional annexes. It applies to all ships, and includes regulations
for preventing air pollution from ships. It sets limits on Sulphur Oxide and Nitrogen Oxide
emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting
substances. It includes regulations on survey, certification and means of control, Ozone-
depleting substances, Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides, Volatile organic compounds,
shipboard incineration, reception facilities, fuel oil quality, requirements for platforms and
drilling rigs.

Pollutants controlled: Sulphur Oxides (SOX), Nitrogenous oxides (NOX),

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorinated Fluorocarbon (HCFCs), Hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs) and Halons

Regulation 13 of Annex VI- NOX regulations: These regulations set limits for emission
values of Nitrogenous oxides (NOX ). Engines installed on ships constructed on or after 1
January 2000 or engines which undergo a major conversion on or after 1 January 2000
should meet the requirements of the Technical Code on Control of Emission of Nitrogen
Oxides from Marine Diesel Engines (NOX Technical Code).

Regulation 14 of Annex VI- SOX regulations: These regulations set limits for emission
values of Sulphur Oxides (SOX). They include a global cap of 4.5 % on the sulphur content
of fuel oil. “SOX Emission Control Areas” with more stringent controls on sulphur emissions
from ships such as Baltic and North Sea are identified. In these areas the sulphur content of
fuel oil will be limited to 1.5 %. Alternatively, ships must fit an exhaust gas cleaning system
or use any other technological method to limit SOX emissions.

Regulation 15 of Annex VI- VOC regulations: There are no set limits for Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) but the regulations give the individual parties opportunities for design of
ports and thermals in which VOC emissions are regulated.