ANNEX 6

PREVENTION OF
AIR POLLUTION
ON SHIPS AND
WHAT IS MAIN
ENGINE.

BY: Clark L Sanico

PREVENTION OF AIR
POLLUTION FROM SHIPS
Although air pollution from ships does not have the direct cause and effect associated with, for example, an oil spill
incident, it causes a cumulative effect that contributes to the overall air quality problems encountered by populations
in many areas, and also affects the natural environment, such as tough acid rain.
MARPOL Annex VI, first adopted in 1997, limits the main air pollutants contained in ships exhaust gas, including
sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrous oxides (NOx), and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances
(ODS). MARPOL Annex VI also regulates shipboard incineration, and the emissions of volatile organic compounds
(VOC) from tankers.
Following entry into force of MARPOL Annex VI on 19 May 2005, the Marine Environment Protection Committee
(MEPC), at its 53rd session (July 2005), agreed to revise MARPOL Annex VI with the aim of significantly
strengthening the emission limits in light of technological improvements and implementation experience. As a result
of three years examination, MEPC 58 (October 2008) adopted the revised MARPOL Annex VI and the associated
NOx Technical Code 2008, which entered into force on 1 July 2010.
Revised MARPOL Annex VI

The main changes to MARPOL Annex VI are a progressive reduction globally in emissions of
SOx, NOx and particulate matter and the introduction of emission control areas (ECAs) to
reduce emissions of those air pollutants further in designated sea areas.

Under the revised MARPOL Annex VI, the global sulphur limit will be reduced from current
3.50% to 0.50%, effective from 1 January 2020, subject to a feasibility review to be completed
no later than 2018.

MEPC 70 (October 2016) considered an assessment of fuel oil availability to inform the decision
to be taken by the Parties to MARPOL Annex VI, and decided that the fuel oil standard (0.50%
sulphur limit) shall become effective on 1 January 2020.

The limits applicable in ECAs for SOx and particulate matter were reduced to 0.10%, from 1
January 2015.
TYPES OF AIR POLLUTION IN
SHIPS
Commercial ships burn fuel for energy and emit several types of air pollution as by-
products. Ship-source pollutants most closely linked to climate change and public
health impacts include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides
(SOx) and particulate matter.
MAIN ENGINE
Main Engine means any internal
combustion, compression-ignition
engine that is configured to
supply propulsion power for an
Ocean Going Vessel, regardless of
whether the propulsion system is
direct-drive, geared drive or diesel
electric.
What is the Function of Main Engine.
Main, or propulsion, engines are used to turn the ship's propeller and move the ship
through the water. They typically burn diesel oil or heavy fuel oil, and may be able
to switch between the two.

How does a Main Engine Start?

As the valve is opened, the air is passed through the pilot valve and acts on top of the
automatic start valve, providing a positive closing. The other branch supplies air
until the turning gear interlock as the interlock blocks the air to go further. To start
the main engine, first turning gear has to be disengaged.