Analysing the environmental impact of IMO sulphur regulation 2020, annex VI, MARPOL

Abstract

The IMO has set different SOx limits over the years, including different limits for SECA and areas outside SECA. The EU has formulated stricter limits for its member states. The EU port and SECA areas have reduced SOx emissions vastly. Ocean acidification, degradation of the environment, and human health has been improved in the EU ports and SECA areas. However, the improvement at the global level is limited. SOx emission causes a cooling effect on temperature and decreases the warming effect of GHG emissions. The lowering of SOx can impact global warming. Further, the Black Carbon emission from alternate fuels can lead to increased GHG emissions. The acidic wash water from EGCS contains toxic metals and PAHs which when discharged at sea cause severe damage. The SOx reduction, Black Carbon emission and wash water discharge adversely impact oceans and violates the UNCLOS, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, CBD, and even the UNDRIP. An IPCC report will help analyse the SOx, Black Carbon emission, and wash water impact, which can be taken up in COP 28. The 2022 MEPC Guidelines for Environmental Risk Assessment and reception of wash water, with Port authorities are based on the submissions by nations and environmental organizations to the PPR 9, which have highlighted the environmental problems and challenges in the use of EGCS and the discharge of its wash water. The guidelines are non-binding and may not have the desired impact. Much stricter regulation is required to ensure the protection of the marine environment.