Special Area Designations:
Effective January 1, 2025, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been designated as Special Areas under MARPOL Annex I and Annex V. This designation imposes stricter controls on the discharge of oil, oily mixtures, and garbage to protect the marine environment in these regions.
FuelEU Maritime Regulation:
Implemented on January 1, 2025, this European Union regulation applies to commercial ships over 5,000 GT operating within EU waters and ports. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels, aligning with the EU’s “Fit for 55” initiative.
EU Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (EU-MRV) Expansion:
From January 1, 2025, the EU-MRV regulation has been extended to include general cargo ships and offshore vessels of 400 GT and above. This expansion requires these vessels to monitor and report their CO₂ emissions, enhancing transparency and contributing to emission reduction efforts.
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code Amendment 42-24:
Starting January 1, 2025, amendments related to the safe carriage of charcoal in containers have entered voluntary application. These changes, which become mandatory on January 1, 2026, aim to improve safety standards for transporting charcoal by sea.