Action Date: 1 May 2025
The Mediterranean Sea officially became an Emission Control Area (Med SOx ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI on 1 May 2025. The sulphur content in fuel oil for ships operating in the area is now limited to 0.1%, significantly reducing air pollution and delivering major benefits to both human health and the marine environment.
Ships operating within the Med SOx ECA must now use fuel oil with a maximum sulphur content of 0.10% m/m, compared to the global limit of 0.50% m/m. This regulatory measure aims to significantly reduce air pollution and improve public health and environmental quality in the region.
The reduction in SOx emissions from shipping provides numerous health and environmental advantages:
- Human Health: Lower emissions reduce the incidence of lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and childhood asthma.
- Environment: Reductions in acid deposition help protect crops, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.
- Safety: Improved air quality enhances visibility at sea, decreasing the risk of maritime accidents.
Global ECA Framework
The Med SOx ECA is the fifth area designated under MARPOL Annex VI. Other established ECAs include:
- Baltic Sea Area
- North Sea Area
- North American ECA (coastal waters of the U.S. and Canada)
- U.S. Caribbean Sea ECA (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
In 2024, two additional ECAs were designated:
- Canadian Arctic
- Norwegian Sea
In April 2025, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) approved a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic as a future ECA.
On 1 January 2020, MARPOL Annex VI introduced a new global limit of 0.50% sulphur content in marine fuel oil, down from 3.50%. This change resulted in an estimated 70% reduction in total sulphur oxide emissions from shipping.
For more information, refer to the IMO guidelines under MARPOL Annex VI.
Action Date: October 2025
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved a landmark set of draft regulations aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. These measures, endorsed during the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) held from April 7–11, 2025, represent a significant advancement in global maritime decarbonization efforts.
Key Components of the IMO Net-Zero Framework
The approved framework introduces two pivotal elements:
- Global Fuel Standard: A phased reduction in the annual GHG fuel intensity (GFI) of ships, calculated on a well-to-wake basis. This standard mandates a gradual decrease in the amount of GHG emitted per unit of energy used, promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies.
- Global Economic Measure: An emissions pricing mechanism requiring ships exceeding GFI thresholds to acquire remedial units to offset their emissions. Conversely, vessels employing zero or near-zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial incentives, fostering innovation and the transition to sustainable maritime operations.
These regulations will be incorporated into a new Chapter 5 of MARPOL Annex VI and are set to become mandatory for ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage—accounting for approximately 85% of CO₂ emissions from international shipping. Formal adoption is anticipated in October 2025, with enforcement commencing in 2027.
Implementation Timeline
- October 2025: Formal adoption of the regulations.
- 2027: Entry into force of the mandatory measures.
Implications for Surveyors and Technical Staff
Surveyors and technical personnel should put increased emphasis on accurate documentation and reporting of fuel usage and emissions data.
Other MEPC 83 outcomes
The meeting discussed a range of issues related to protecting the marine environment from shipping activities, with the following key outcomes:
- Adoption of 2025 Action Plan to combat marine plastic litter;
- Progress in the review of the Ballast Water Management Convention;
- Approval of a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area and agreement in principle to designate two new Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas off South America’s Pacific coast;
- Approval of the draft Work plan on the development of a regulatory framework for the use of Onboard Carbon Capture Storage systems (OCCS)
- Approval of draft amendments to regulation 27 of MARPOL Annex VI regarding accessibility of the IMO Data Collection System
- Adoption of amendments to the 2021 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity reduction factors relative to reference lines (CII reduction factors guidelines, G3)
- Approval of a new output to develop a legally binding framework on biofouling management, to prevent the spread of harmful invasive aquatic species
A full meeting summary will be provided soon.
For more information please contact us at technical@phrs.gr .
As of February 25, 2025, Phoenix Register of Shipping is proud to announce its accreditation by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) for assessment of FuelEU Monitoring plans and verifying FuelEU Maritime Reports.
A key pillar of the European Union’s Fit for 55 initiative, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, as a complementary regulation to the EU ETS, is designed to reduce EU emissions by 55% by 2030. It mandates that vessels calling at EU ports progressively lower the greenhouse gas intensity of their onboard energy use. Compliance relies on stringent monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes, including the submission of verified FuelEU Maritime Reports.
With a highly skilled team and a specialized Marine Environmental Sustainability Department, Phoenix Register of Shipping is fully equipped to support shipping companies in navigating the complexities of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. Our aim is to provide smooth and optimized verification services while supporting our clients' operations with maximum efficiency and minimal interference.
For more information please contact us at mes@phrs.gr and/or technical@phrs.gr .
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed Interim Guidelines for ships using ammonia as fuel. These guidelines aim to provide an international standard for the arrangement, installation, control, and monitoring of machinery, equipment, and systems utilizing ammonia as fuel, thereby minimizing risks to ships, their crews, and the environment. The guidelines are recommendatory in nature and apply to ships not covered by the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).
As of December 2024, these Interim Guidelines were approved during the 109th session of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109). However, the finalized guidelines have not yet been published as a standalone document. For reference, a draft version titled "INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFETY OF SHIPS USING AMMONIA AS FUEL" is available here.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the official IMO website or contact the IMO directly to obtain the finalized Interim Guidelines once they are published.
Following a thorough and extensive evaluation by the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the People's Republic of China, Phoenix Register of Shipping S.A. has been granted authorization to establish and operate a branch office in Qingdao. Qingdao is a key global maritime hub, ranking 4th worldwide in cargo volume due to its strategic location opposite South Korea and its easy accessibility for vessels of all types and sizes. PHRS maintains an extensive network of offices and inspectors worldwide, ensuring immediate and efficient support for the vessels under its supervision.
China enforces strict financial and technical criteria for foreign classification societies operating within its jurisdiction. This regulatory framework ensures that only credible, technically proficient, and well-equipped organizations can conduct inspections in full compliance with international conventions and national regulations. Phoenix Register of Shipping’s approval to operate in China is a testament to our technical expertise and reliability.
A Rapidly Growing Organization
Founded in 2000 by a team of naval architects, Phoenix Register of Shipping S.A. has evolved into a leading Greek classification society with a strong global presence. The organization has earned notable authorizations from major maritime authorities, including Panama, Liberia, Palau, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Greece, covering vessels under national legislation.
Notably, Liberia and Panama are the two largest ship registries worldwide, and Phoenix Register of Shipping holds a unique distinction in Liberia as the only classification society authorized without being a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Furthermore, we are the first European classification society (outside IACS) to secure operating authorization in China, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion.
Commitment to Excellence
This achievement highlights the organization's high level of technical competence and global compliance. The organization is implementing a highly complex and demanding restructuring plan to align its operations with the QUALITY SYSTEM of CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES (QSCS), the quality standard followed by IACS member classification societies. PHRS consistently maintains a strong performance in the evaluation mechanisms of Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU, testament to its commitment to high quality of services.
At its 81st session (18-22 March 2024), the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI under Resolution MEPC.385(81). These amendments enhance the reporting requirements for the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS) by mandating the collection of more detailed fuel consumption and transport work data. The amendments also introduce new data points, including a more granular breakdown of fuel consumption and the reporting of transport work, which is vital for the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) decarbonization and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction objectives.
Amendments Overview
The key amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI, as specified in MEPC.385(81), require ships to report the following:
- Fuel Oil Consumption Breakdown:
- Consumption per consumer type, including main engines, auxiliary engines, oil-fired boilers, and others.
- Fuel oil consumption when the ship is not underway.
- Energy Supply Information:
- Total amount of onshore power supplied to the ship, expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Transport Work Reporting:
- Ships to which Regulation 28 of MARPOL Annex VI applies will also report transport work data using tonne-mile, TEU-mile, and/or passenger-mile, with containerships required to report both tonne-mile and TEU-mile data.
- Innovative Technology:
- A new voluntary entry for the installation of innovative energy efficiency technologies, aligned with the 2021 IMO guidance on the treatment of such technologies for EEDI and EEXI calculations (MEPC.1/Circ.896).
Early Implementation of Amendments
Although the amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI are set to officially enter into force on 1st August 2025, MEPC has invited Administrations to adopt these changes early from 1st January 2025. Early implementation will help generate more complete and detailed data to support the review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) framework.
As part of the early implementation, the following actions are required:
- SEEMP Updates: Ships to which Regulation 27 applies must update their Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) to align with the revised reporting requirements. The SEEMP updates should be completed by 1st January 2025 for those adopting early implementation. For vessels opting out of early implementation, the SEEMP update deadline is 1st January 2026.
- Reporting Enhancements: Beginning 1st January 2025, data must be collected and reported with an enhanced level of granularity, including the new data points required under MEPC.385(81). This includes detailed fuel consumption per consumer type, onshore power supplied, and the reporting of transport work metrics.
- Verification and Retrofits: For ships opting for early implementation, retrofits (such as the installation of flow meters) and necessary verifications should be completed before 1st January 2025. Ships delivered on or after this date must ensure that their systems and processes comply with the enhanced reporting requirements from the outset.
SEEMP Revisions and Guidance (MEPC.1/Circ.913)
The Guidance on the application of the amendments (MEPC.1/Circ.913) was approved at MEPC's 82nd session (30 September-4 October 2024) and provides detailed instructions on implementing the revised granularity of data and reporting requirements. Key points from the guidance include:
- Uniform Data Granularity:
Data must be reported at a uniform level of granularity within the same calendar year, in line with the "portion thereof" principle outlined in Regulations 27.1 and 27.2 of MARPOL Annex VI. - SEEMP Revisions:
Before beginning data collection, vessels subject to Regulation 27 must revise their SEEMP to comply with Regulation 26.2, reflecting the updated SEEMP Guidelines (MEPC.395(82)).
- Implementation Timelines:
- Early Implementation (1st January 2025): Ships flying the flag of Administrations opting for early implementation must complete SEEMP revisions, verifications, and any planned retrofits by 1st January 2025. Data will be collected and reported with the enhanced granularity for the full year of 2025 and beyond.
- Entry-Into-Force (1st August 2025): For ships under Administrations that implement the amendments on 1st August 2025, SEEMP revisions, verifications, and retrofits must be completed by 1st January 2026. Granular data reporting will begin on 1st January 2026 for these vessels, with a transition period in 2025.
Conclusion
The early implementation of the amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI is an important step toward improving the accuracy and comprehensiveness of fuel oil consumption and transport work data reported to the IMO. Ship owners, operators, and other stakeholders are encouraged to begin the necessary updates to their SEEMP and reporting systems to ensure full compliance by the specified deadlines.
For further details, please refer to MEPC.1/Circ.913 for guidance on the application of these amendments and consult the official IMO resolutions for additional information.
For any queries or assistance, please contact mes@phrs.gr
PHRS Marine Environmental Sustainability Dept.
We are pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2024, Phoenix Register of Shipping has been successfully accredited by the Greek National Accreditation System (ESYD) as a verification body under the requirements of ΕΝ ISO/IEC 17029:2019 & ΕΝ ISO 14065:2022, for the provision of comprehensive services in compliance with the EU Regulation 2015/757 (EU-MRV) on monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport.
Key Highlights:
- PHRS is now authorized to assess monitoring plans, verify emissions reports, and issue the essential Document of Compliance (DoC) for each vessel.
- Our global presence in key locations around the world, ensures prompt and efficient compliance with the EU-MRV Regulation, supporting sustainable and green shipping practices. This accreditation underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and reinforces PHRS's role in advancing transparency and accountability in maritime emissions management.
For more information on how PHRS can assist your EU-MRV compliance needs, please submit your inquiry at technical@phrs.gr / mes@phrs.gr / mrv@phrs.gr .
PHRS | POSIDONIA 2024
On the upcoming occasion of Posidonia 2024 we are looking forward you to welcoming you at our booth 2.123 / Hall 2!
Where: Metropolitan Expo Centre
When: 3-7 June 2024
PHRS – Head Office.
NL 297/24 | Liberia Marine Operations Note 02/2024 – Inventory of Hazardous Materials and Ready for Recycling
Refers to: Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators of Liberian Vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: Immediate
By this message we would like to inform you regarding the Liberia Marine Operations Note 02/2024 – Inventory of Hazardous Materials and Ready for Recycling.
The purpose of subject Technical Circular is to inform all interested parties that the Liberian Registry has issued Marine Operations Note 02/2024 which supersedes Marine Operations Note 06/2023, regarding “Inventory of Hazardous Materials and Ready for Recycling”. The following changes have been included under Hazardous Materials Survey and Certification:
• From 1 April 2024, all surveys under The Hong Kong Convention of all ships in service registered or registering with Liberia will be conducted by the Administration.
Thus, please note that as of 1 April 2024, PHRS is only authorized to conduct the initial survey under the Hong Kong Convention (and EU SRR) for new-building ships registered or registering with Liberia, and issue the interim International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials for a period of five (5) months. The Interim International Certificate on IHM along with the survey report and IHM Part I shall be submitted to the Administration at RegsandStandards@liscr.com, for issuance of the full term International Certificate on IHM.
For more information please review the relevant Marine Operation Note 02/2024 attached to this circular.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further guidance.
Please treat this matter with the utmost urgency and take all necessary measures to ensure timely compliance.
April 4th, 2024 - PHRS Head Office
Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: On or after 1 July 2024/2029
By this message we would like to inform you regarding the amendments to MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 43A— Special requirements for the use and carriage of oils as fuel in Arctic waters.
Adopted by:
Summary:
New regulation 43A of MARPOL Annex I has been adopted to prohibit the use and carriage of heavy fuel oils (HFO) in Arctic waters.
Heavy fuel oils (HFO) are listed in MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 43.1.2 and include:
1. crude oils having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3.
2. oils, other than crude oils, having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s; or
3. bitumen, tar and their emulsions
Implication:
Amendment will impact ships operating in and around the Arctic region as follows:
• If a ship has fuel oil tanks which do not comply with regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex I (Oil fuel tank protection) or regulation 1.2.1 of chapter 1, Part II-A of the Polar Code, the use and carriage of HFO will be prohibited on or after 1 July 2024.
• If a ship has fuel oil tanks which comply with regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex I (Oil fuel tank protection) or regulation 1.2.1 of chapter 1, Part II-A of the Polar Code, the use and carriage of HFO will be prohibited on or after 1 July 2029.
Application:
The amendment will apply to all ships except for ships engaged in securing the safety of ships, ships engaged in search and rescue operations or ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response.
Please treat this matter with the utmost urgency and take all necessary measures to ensure timely compliance.
March 21st ,2024 - PHRS Head Office