RESOLUTION MEPC.340(77)

(adopted on 26 November 2021)

 

2021 GUIDELINES FOR EXHAUST GAS CLEANING SYSTEMS

 

THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE,

 

RECALLING Article 38(a) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (the Committee) conferred upon it by international conventions for the prevention and control of marine pollution from ships,

 

RECALLING ALSO that, at its fifty-eighth session, the Committee adopted, by resolution MEPC.176(58), a revised MARPOL Annex VI which significantly strengthens the emission limits for sulphur oxides (SO_X),

 

NOTING that regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex VI allows the use of an alternative compliance method at least as effective in terms of emission reductions as that required by the Annex, including any of the standards set forth in regulation 14, taking into account guidelines developed by the Organization,

 

RECALLING that, at its fifty-ninth session, the Committee adopted, by resolution MEPC.184(59), the 2009 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems,

 

RECALLING ALSO that, at its sixty-eighth session, the Committee adopted, by resolution MEPC.259(68), the 2015 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (hereinafter referred to as the "2015 EGCS Guidelines"),

 

RECOGNIZING the need to update the 2015 EGCS Guidelines,

 

HAVING CONSIDERED, at its seventy-seventh session, draft amendments to the 2015 EGCS Guidelines, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response at its seventh session,

 

1          ADOPTS the 2021 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (hereinafter referred to as the "2021 EGCS Guidelines"), as set out in the annex to the present resolution;

 

2          INVITES Administrations to implement the 2021 EGCS Guidelines and apply them to exhaust gas cleaning systems installed on ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 June 2022; or exhaust gas cleaning systems installed on ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 1 June 2022 which have a contractual delivery date of EGCS to the ship on or after 1 June 2022 or, in the absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery of the exhaust gas cleaning system to the ship on or after 1 June 2022; or amendments, as those specified in paragraphs 4.2.2.4 or 5.6.3 of the 2021 EGCS Guidelines, to existing exhaust gas cleaning systems undertaken on or after 1 June 2022, when allowing the use of an exhaust gas cleaning system in accordance with regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex VI;

 

3          REQUESTS Parties to MARPOL Annex VI and other Member Governments to bring the 2021 EGCS Guidelines to the attention of shipowners, ship operators, shipbuilders, marine diesel engine manufacturers and any other interested groups;

 

4          INVITES Administrations to provide for discharge water data collection as described in appendix 3 of these Guidelines, and to also apply that appendix when undertaking related sampling from exhaust gas cleaning systems that have been approved in accordance with the earlier versions of the EGCS Guidelines;

 

5          AGREES to keep these Guidelines under review in the light of experience gained with their application; and

 

6          ALSO AGREES that these Guidelines supersede the 2015 EGCS Guidelines adopted by resolution MEPC.259(68).

 

ANNEX

 

2021 GUIDELINES FOR EXHAUST GAS CLEANING SYSTEMS

 

1          INTRODUCTION

 

1.1       MARPOL Annex VI requires ships to use fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding that stipulated in regulations 14.1 or 14.4. Regulation 4 allows, with the approval of the Administration, the use of an alternative compliance method at least as effective in terms of emission reductions as that required by the Annex, including the standards set forth in regulation 14. The Administration of a Party should take into account any relevant Guidelines developed by the Organization pertaining to alternatives provided for in regulation 4.

 

1.2       These Guidelines have been developed to allow for the testing, survey, certification, and approval of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCSs) in accordance with regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex VI.

 

1.3       Equivalency with the relevant requirements of regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI should be demonstrated by using these Guidelines as a basis of compliance with the relevant Emission Ratio limit value as given in table 1. Where the design or operation of an EGCS requires controls in addition to those given in these Guidelines in order to meet the requirements of regulation 4.4 of the above-mentioned Annex, they should be subject to special consideration by the Administration and should be communicated to the Organization when submitting the notification required by regulation 4.2 of MARPOL Annex VI.

 

Table 1: Fuel oil sulphur limits in regulations 14.1 and 14.4 and corresponding Emission Ratio limit values

 

 

Note: The use of the above Emission Ratio limit values is only applicable when using petroleum-derived distillate or residual fuel oils. See appendix 2 for the assumptions and rationale which form the basis of the Emission Ratio method.

 

1.4       These Guidelines are recommendatory in nature; however, Administrations are invited to base the implementation of the relevant requirements of regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex VI on them.

 

2          GENERAL

 

2.1       Purpose

 

2.1.1    The purpose of these Guidelines is to specify the criteria for the testing, survey, certification and verification of EGCSs under regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex VI to ensure that they provide in service, at any operating load point at which they are to operate, including during transient operation, effective equivalence to the requirements of regulations 14.1 or 14.4 of MARPOL Annex VI, as applicable.

 

2.1.2    These Guidelines describe two schemes for approval of an EGCS: Scheme A (system certification with in-service continuous operational parameter monitoring and periodic emission checks) and Scheme B (continuous emission monitoring by means of an approved monitoring system together with periodic operational parameter checks):

.1       in Scheme A, the EGCS is subject to approval by the Administration and should be as given in section 4 subject to performance tests, sea trials or other similar physical tests that verify that the system in service will result in the intended performance; and

 

.2       in Scheme B, the exhaust gas monitoring system of the EGCS is subject to approval by the Administration and should be as given in section 5. Approved exhaust gas monitoring system should continuously indicate the Emission Ratio while the EGCS is in operation, allowing verification against the applicable limit.

 

2.1.3    Emission testing in relation to either Scheme A or Scheme B should be undertaken, as appropriate, as given in section 6.

 

2.1.4    Data recording, retention and the preparation of reports using that data in relation to either Scheme A or Scheme B should be, as appropriate, as given in section 7.

 

2.1.5    Details of the monitoring systems for exhaust emissions, operating parameters, inlet water, washwater and discharge water in relation to either Scheme A or Scheme B should be documented, as appropriate, as given in section 8.

 

2.1.6    For ships which are to use an EGCS in part or in total as an approved equivalent to the requirements of regulations 14.1 and/or 14.4 of MARPOL Annex VI, there should be an approved SO_X Emissions Compliance Plan (SECP) as given in section 9.

 

2.1.7    Discharge water monitoring which is equally applicable to Scheme A and Scheme B should be undertaken as given in section 10.

 

2.2       Application

 

2.2.1    These Guidelines apply to any EGCS as applied to fuel oil combustion unit(s), excluding shipboard incinerators, installed on board a ship.

 

2.2.2    For the purpose of these Guidelines, the term "EGCS" should be generally, but not exclusively (see 2.2.3), understood as "wet EGCS".

 

2.2.3    In the absence of specific guidelines for EGCSs which use technologies or operate in modes that are not defined in 2.3, these Guidelines may also be applied as appropriate.

 

2.2.4    These Guidelines apply to:

 

.1       EGCSs installed on ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 June 2022; or

 

.2       EGCSs installed on ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 1 June 2022 which have a contractual delivery date of EGCS to the ship on or after 1 June 2022 or, in the absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery of the EGCS to the ship on or after 1 June 2022; or

 

.3       amendments as those specified in 4.2.2.4 or 5.6.3 to existing EGCSs undertaken on or after 1 June 2022.

 

2.3       Abbreviations, definitions and required documents

 

2.3.1    Abbreviations as given in table 2 and definitions as given in table 3 are applied in these Guidelines.

 

Table 2: Abbreviations

 

Table 3: Definitions

 

 

2.3.2    Relevant documents for EGCSs approved in accordance with Scheme A and Scheme B are listed in table 4.

 

Table 4: Relevant documents for Scheme A and Scheme B

 

 

3          SAFETY NOTE

 

3.1       Due attention is to be given to the safety implications related to the handling and proximity of exhaust gases, the measurement equipment and the storage and use of pressurized containers of pure and calibration gases. Sampling positions and permanent access platforms should be such that this monitoring may be performed safely. For positioning the EGCS discharge water outlet, due consideration should be given to the locations of the existing seawater inlets. In all operating conditions the design of the EGCS should take into consideration the necessary balance between low pH water discharge and the anti-corrosive resistance of the surfaces in contact with that discharge stream. To avoid premature failure of sea chests, discharge pipework and hull penetration finishes, due care should be taken in the preparation of surfaces and the correct selection and application of protective coatings to withstand the corrosive effects of low pH discharge water.

 

3.2       In cases where exhaust gas duct bypass lines are arranged on board, appropriate measures should be taken to prevent leakage of exhaust gases from the damper to bypass lines.

 

4          SCHEME A - EGCS APPROVAL, SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION USING PARAMETER AND EMISSION CHECKS

 

4.1       Approval of EGCSs

 

4.1.1    General

 

Options under Scheme A of these Guidelines provide for:

 

.1       individual EGCS approval;

 

.2       serially manufactured systems; and

 

.3       production range approval.

 

4.1.2    Individual EGCS approval

 

4.1.2.1  An EGCS should be certified as capable of meeting the Emission Ratio value, the Certified Value, specified by the manufacturer (e.g. the Emission Ratio value the system is capable of achieving on a continuous basis) with fuel oils of the manufacturer's specified maximum % m/m sulphur content and for the range of operating parameters, as listed in 4.2.2.1.2, for which they are to be approved. The Certified Value should at least be suitable for ship operations under requirements given by MARPOL Annex VI regulations 14.1 and/or 14.4.

 

4.1.2.2  Where testing is not to be undertaken with fuel oils of the manufacturer's specified maximum % m/m sulphur content, the use of two test fuels with a lower % m/m sulphur content is allowed. The two fuels selected should have a difference in % m/m sulphur content sufficient to demonstrate the operational behaviour of the EGCS and to demonstrate that the Certified Value can be met if the EGCS were to be operated with a fuel of the manufacturer's specified maximum % m/m sulphur content. In such cases a minimum of two tests, in accordance with subsection 4.3 as appropriate, should be performed. These tests need not be sequential and could be undertaken on two different, but identical, EGCSs.

 

4.1.2.3  The maximum and, if applicable, minimum exhaust gas mass flow rate of the system should be stated. The effect of variation of the other parameters defined in 4.2.2.1.2 should be justified by the equipment manufacturer. The effect of variations in these factors should be assessed by testing or otherwise as appropriate. No variation in these factors, or combination of variations in these factors, should be such that the emission value of the EGCS would be in excess of the Certified Value.

 

4.1.2.4  Data obtained in accordance with this section should be submitted to the Administration for approval together with the ETM-A.

 

4.1.3    Serially manufactured systems

 

4.1.3.1  In the case of nominally similar EGCSs of the same mass flow ratings as that certified under 4.1.2, and to avoid the testing of each EGCS, the Administration, based on a submission of the equipment manufacturer, should take the necessary measures to verify that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure effective control of the conformity of production arrangement. The certification of each EGCS under this arrangement should be subject to such surveys that the Administration should consider necessary as to assure that each EGCS has an Emission Ratio value of not more than the Certified Value when operated in accordance with the parameters defined in 4.2.2.1.2.

 

4.1.4    Product range approval

 

4.1.4.1  In the case of an EGCS of the same design, but of different maximum exhaust gas mass flow capacities, the Administration may accept, in lieu of tests on an EGCS of all capacities in accordance with 4.1.2, tests of EGCSs of three different capacities provided that the three tests are performed at intervals including the highest, lowest and one intermediate capacity rating within the range.

 

4.1.4.2  Where there are significant differences in the design of EGCSs of different capacities, this procedure should not be applied unless it can be shown, to the satisfaction of the Administration, that in practice those differences do not materially alter the performance between the various EGCS types.

 

4.1.4.3  For EGCSs of different capacities, the sensitivity to variations in the type of combustion machinery to which they are fitted should be detailed together with sensitivity to the variations in the parameters listed in 4.2.2.1.2. This should be on the basis of testing, or other data as appropriate.

 

4.1.4.4  The effect of changes of EGCS capacity on washwater and discharge water characteristics should be detailed.

 

4.1.4.5  All supporting data obtained in accordance with this section, together with the ETM-A for each system, should be submitted to the Administration for approval.

 

4.2       Survey and certification

 

4.2.1    Procedures for the certification of an EGCS

 

4.2.1.1  In order to meet the criterion of subsection 4.1 either prior to, or after installation on board, each EGCS should be certified as meeting the Certified Value specified by the manufacturer (e.g. the Emission Ratio the system is capable of achieving on a continuous basis) under the operating conditions and restrictions as given by the EGCS Technical Manual (ETM-A) as approved by the Administration.

 

4.2.1.2  Determination of the Certified Value should take into account the provisions of these Guidelines.

 

4.2.1.3  Each EGCS meeting the criterion of 4.2.1.1 should be issued an SECC by the Administration. The form of the SECC is given in appendix 1.

 

4.2.1.4  Application for an SECC should be made by the EGCS manufacturer, shipowner or other party.

 

4.2.1.5  Any subsequent EGCS of the same design and rating as that certified under 4.2.1.1 may be issued with an SECC by the Administration without the need for testing taking into account 4.2.1.1 subject to 4.1.3 of these Guidelines.

 

4.2.1.6  EGCSs of the same design, but with ratings different from that certified under 4.2.1.1 may be accepted by the Administration subject to 4.1.4 of these Guidelines.

 

4.2.1.7  EGCSs which treat only part of the exhaust gas flow of the uptake in which they are fitted should be subject to special consideration by the Administration to ensure that under all defined operating conditions the overall Emission Ratio value of the exhaust gas downstream of the system is no more than the Certified Value.

 

4.2.2    EGCS Technical Manual "Scheme A" (ETM-A)

 

4.2.2.1  Each EGCS should be supplied with an ETM-A provided by the manufacturer. This ETM-A should, as a minimum, contain the following information:

 

.1       the identification of the system (manufacturer, model/type, serial number and other details as necessary) including a description of the system and any required ancillary systems. In case a system contains more than one EGC unit, each EGC unit should be identified;

.2       the operating limits, or range of operating values, for which the unit is certified. These should, as a minimum, include:

.1       the maximum and, if applicable, minimum mass flow rate of exhaust gas;

.2       the maximum and, if applicable, minimum exhaust gas mass flow rate capacity of the EGC unit;

.3       the maximum fuel oil sulphur content the EGCS is certified for;

.4       the Certified Value;

.5       the power, type and other relevant parameters of the fuel oil combustion unit which the EGCS is to be connected to; for boilers also the maximum air/fuel ratio at 100% load should be given; and for diesel engines whether the engine is of 2 or 4-stroke cycle should be indicated;

.6       the maximum and minimum washwater flow rate, inlet pressures and minimum inlet water alkalinity (ISO 9963-1-2:1994);

.7       the exhaust gas inlet temperature ranges and maximum and minimum exhaust gas outlet temperature with the EGCS in operation;

.8       the maximum exhaust gas differential pressure across the EGC unit and the maximum exhaust gas inlet pressure;

.9       the salinity levels or fresh water elements necessary to provide adequate neutralizing agents; and

.10     other factors concerning the design and operation of the EGCS relevant to achieving a maximum Emission Ratio value no higher than the Certified Value;

.3       any requirements or restrictions applicable to the EGCS or associated equipment necessary to enable the system to achieve a maximum Emission Ratio value no higher than the Certified Value;

.4       maintenance, service or adjustment requirements in order that the EGCS can continue to achieve a maximum Emission Ratio value no higher than the Certified Value. The maintenance, servicing and adjustments should be recorded in the EGCS Record Book;

.5       corrective actions to be applied if the following occurs or is expected to occur: operating conditions are outside approved ranges or limits; the discharge water quality criteria are not met; or exceedances of the Certified Value;

.6       a verification procedure to be used during surveys to ensure that the system's performance is maintained and that the system is used as required (see subsection 4.4);

.7       washwater and discharge water characteristics across the operating load range;

.8       design requirements for the treatment and monitoring of washwater and control of discharge water, including, for example, bleed-off water from closed-loop EGCS operation or discharge water temporarily stored within the EGCS; and

.9       detail the procedure to produce reports regarding operation in a non-compliant condition, or in a condition where the ongoing compliance would be temporary indicated in accordance with 8.2.8.

 

4.2.2.2  The ETM-A should be approved by the Administration.

 

4.2.2.3  The ETM-A should be retained on board the ship onto which the EGCS is installed and should be available for surveys as required.

 

4.2.2.4  Amendments to the ETM-A which reflect EGCS changes that affect performance with respect to emissions to air and/or water should be approved by the Administration. Where additions, deletions or amendments to the ETM-A are separate to the ETM-A as initially approved, they should be retained with the ETM-A and should be considered as part of it.

 

4.2.3    In-service surveys

 

4.2.3.1  The EGCS should be subject to survey on installation and at initial, annual/intermediate and renewals surveys by the Administration.

 

4.2.3.2  In accordance with regulation 10 of MARPOL Annex VI, the EGCS may also be subject to inspection by port State control.

 

4.2.3.3  Prior to use, each EGCS should be issued with an SECC by the Administration.

 

4.2.3.4  Following the installation survey given in 4.2.3.1, sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the Supplement to the ship's International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate should be duly completed.

 

4.3       Emission limits

 

4.3.1    Each EGCS should be capable of reducing emissions to equal to or less than the Certified Value at any load point, including fuel oil combustion unit idling, when operated in accordance with 4.2.2.1.2.

 

4.3.2    In order to demonstrate performance, emission measurements should be undertaken, with the agreement of the Administration, at a minimum of four load points. One load point should be at 95% to 100% of the maximum exhaust gas mass flow rate for which the unit is to be certified. One load point should be within ± 5% of the minimum exhaust gas mass flow rate for which the unit is to be certified. The other two load points should be equally spaced between the maximum and minimum exhaust gas mass flow rates. Where there are discontinuities in the operation of the system, the number of load points should be increased, with the agreement of the Administration, so that it is demonstrated that the required performance over the stated exhaust gas mass flow rate range is retained. Additional intermediate load points should be tested if there is evidence of an emission peak below the maximum exhaust gas mass flow rate and above, if applicable, the minimum exhaust gas flow rate. These additional tests should be of sufficient number as to establish the emission peak value.

 

4.4       Onboard verification procedures for demonstrating compliance

 

4.4.1    For each EGCS, the ETM-A should contain a verification procedure for use during surveys as required. This procedure should not require specialized equipment or an in-depth knowledge of the system. Where particular devices are required, they should be provided and maintained as part of the system. The EGCS should be designed in such a way as to facilitate inspection as required. The basis of the verification procedure is that if all relevant components and operating values or settings are within the approved ranges, then the performance of the EGCS can be assumed to meet the requirements without the need for actual continuous exhaust emission monitoring.

 

4.4.2    Included in the verification procedure should be all components and operating values or settings which may affect the operation of the EGCS and its ability to meet the Certified Value.

 

4.4.3    The verification procedure should be provided by the EGCS manufacturer and approved by the Administration.

 

4.4.4    The verification procedure should cover both a documentation check and a physical check of the EGCS.

 

4.4.5    The surveyor should verify that each EGCS is installed in accordance with the ETM-A and has an SECC as required.

 

4.4.6    At the discretion of the Administration, the surveyor should have the option of checking one or all of the identified components, operating values or settings. Where there is more than one EGC unit within the EGCS, the Administration may, at its discretion, abbreviate or reduce the extent of the survey on board; however, the entire survey should be completed for at least one of each type of EGC unit on board provided that it is expected that the other EGC units perform in the same manner.

 

4.4.7    The EGCS should include means to automatically record when the system is in use. These means should automatically record, at least at the frequency specified in 5.4.2, as a minimum, washwater pressure and flow rate at the EGC unit's inlet connection, exhaust gas pressure before and pressure drop across each EGC unit, fuel oil combustion unit load, and exhaust gas temperature before and after the EGC unit against the respective operating limits, or range of operating values. The data recording system should comply with the requirements of sections 7 and 8. In the case of a system consuming chemicals at a known rate as documented in ETM-A, recordings of such consumption in the EGCS Record Book also serves this purpose.

 

4.4.8    Under Scheme A, if a continuous exhaust gas monitoring system is not fitted, a daily spot check of the Emission Ratio for a duration of not less than five minutes at a minimum recording frequency of 0.1 Hz at normal working condition for each outlet to the atmosphere should be undertaken to verify compliance in conjunction with the continuous monitoring of the parameters stipulated in 4.4.7. The exhaust gas readings should be allowed to stabilize before commencing recording. Readings from the calibration procedure should be automatically recorded or noted in a calibration protocol. Emission values, which are used to determine the Emission Ratio, obtained after stabilization should be recorded. If a continuous exhaust gas monitoring system is fitted, only daily spot checks of the parameters listed in paragraph 4.4.7 would be needed to verify proper operation of the EGC unit.

 

4.4.9    An EGCS Record Book should be maintained on board the ship recording maintenance and service of the system including like-for-like replacement. This EGCS Record Book should be available during surveys as required and may be read in conjunction with engine-room logbooks and other data, as necessary, to confirm the correct operation of the EGCS. The form of this record should be provided by the EGCS manufacturer and approved by the Administration. Alternatively, this information may be recorded in the ship's planned maintenance record system as approved by the Administration. Alternatively, this information may be recorded in an Electronic Record Book as approved by the Administration. The EGCS Record Book entries should be maintained on board the ship for a minimum period of three years after the last entry has been made.

 

5          SCHEME B - EGCS APPROVAL, SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION USING CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF EMISSION RATIO

 

5.1       General

 

5.1.1    Scheme B provides for the approval of the means of continuous Emission Ratio monitoring, supported by daily parameter checks, which will subsequently be used at surveys, and otherwise as required, to demonstrate compliance with the objectives as given in the SECP.

 

5.2       Approval

 

5.2.1    The ETM-B, as defined in these Guidelines, should be approved by the Administration.

 

5.3       Survey and certification

 

5.3.1    The EGCS's exhaust gas monitoring system should be subject to survey on installation and at initial, annual/intermediate and renewals surveys by the Administration in order to demonstrate that it functions as given in the OMM. The scope of the installation or initial survey should include EGCS operation, as required, in order to demonstrate the functionality of the exhaust gas monitoring system.

 

5.3.2    Following the installation survey given in 5.3.1 and approval of documents as listed in 2.3.2, sections 2.3 and 2.6 of the Supplement to the ship's International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate should be duly completed.

 

5.4       Exhaust gas monitoring

 

5.4.1    The exhaust gas composition of the Emission Ratio should be measured at an appropriate position after the EGC unit and that measurement should be as given in section 6 as applicable. A suitable position could be downstream of the EGC unit, but before any possible mixing of outside ambient air or other additional air or gases with the exhaust gas.

 

5.4.2    SO₂(ppm) and CO₂(%) and, to not less than one decimal place, the Emission Ratio should be continuously monitored and recorded against the applicable Emission Ratio limit onto a data recording and processing device at a rate which should not be less than 0.0035 Hz whenever the EGCS is in operation. This monitoring may be suspended for service and maintenance periods of gas analyser and associated equipment as required by the OMM. Zero and span check calibration and instrument drift data should, as given in the OMM, be either recorded by the data recording system or manually entered in the EGCS Record Book as appropriate to the means used.

 

5.4.3    If more than one analyser is to be used to determine the Emission Ratio, these should have similar sampling and measurement times and the data outputs aligned to ensure that the Emission Ratio is fully representative of the exhaust gas composition.

 

5.5       Onboard verification procedures for demonstrating compliance with emission limits

 

5.5.1    The data recording system should be as given in sections 7 and 8. Data and the associated reports should be available to the Administration as necessary to demonstrate compliance as required and, in accordance with regulation 10 of MARPOL Annex VI, may also be subject to inspection by port State control.

 

5.5.2    Daily spot checks of the parameters listed in 4.4.7 are needed to verify proper operation of the EGCS and should be recorded in the EGCS Record Book or in the engine-room logger system.

 

5.6       EGCS Technical Manual "Scheme B" (ETM-B)

 

5.6.1    Each EGCS should be supplied with an ETM-B provided by the manufacturer. This ETM-B should, as a minimum, contain the following information:

 

.1       the identification of the system (manufacturer, model/type, serial number and other details as necessary) including a description of the system and any required ancillary systems. If a system consists of more than one EGC unit, each EGC unit should be identified;

.2       the operating limits, or range of operating values, for which the system is designed. These should, as a minimum, include:

.1       the maximum and, if applicable, minimum mass flow rate of exhaust gas;

.2       the advised maximum fuel sulphur content for the operational conditions the EGCS is designed for (Note: higher sulphur content fuel oils may be used provided the relevant Emission Ratio value is not exceeded);

.3       the power, type and other relevant parameters of the fuel oil combustion unit for which the EGCS is to be connected to. For boilers, the maximum air/fuel ratio at 100% load should also be given for diesel engines whether the engine is of 2 or 4-stroke cycle;

.4       the maximum and minimum washwater flow rate, inlet pressures and minimum inlet water alkalinity (ISO 9963-1-2:1994);

.5       the exhaust gas inlet temperature ranges and maximum and minimum exhaust gas outlet temperature with the EGCS in operation;

.6       the maximum exhaust gas differential pressure across the EGC unit and the maximum exhaust gas inlet pressure;

.7       the salinity levels or fresh water elements necessary to provide adequate neutralizing agents; and

.8       other parameters as necessary concerning the operation of the EGCS;

.3       any requirements or restrictions applicable to the EGCS or associated equipment;

.4       corrective actions to be applied if the following occurs or is expected to occur: operating conditions are outside approved ranges or limits; the discharge water quality criteria are not met; or exceedances of the maximum allowable Emission Ratio;

.5       washwater and discharge water characteristics across the operating load range;

.6       design requirements for the treatment and monitoring of washwater and control of discharge water, including for example bleed-off water from closed-loop EGCS operation or discharge water temporarily stored within the EGCS; and

.7       detail the procedure for producing reports regarding operation in a non-compliant condition, or in a condition where the ongoing compliance would be temporary indicated in accordance with 8.2.8.

 

5.6.2    The ETM-B should be retained on board the ship onto which the EGCS is fitted. The ETM-B should be available for surveys as required.

 

5.6.3    Amendments to the ETM-B which reflect EGCS changes that affect performance with respect to emissions to air and/or water should be approved by the Administration. Where additions, deletions or amendments to the ETM-B are separate from the ETM-B as initially approved, they should be retained with the ETM-B and should be considered as part of it.

 

5.7       Onboard procedures for demonstrating compliance

 

5.7.1    An EGCS Record Book should be maintained on board the ship recording maintenance and servicing of the emission monitoring and ancillary components as given in the OMM including like-for-like replacements. The form of this record book should be approved by the Administration. This EGCS Record Book should be available at surveys as required and may be read in conjunction with engine-room logbooks and other data as necessary to confirm the correct operation of the EGCS. Alternatively, this information may be recorded in the ship's planned maintenance record system as approved by the Administration. Alternatively, this information may be recorded in an Electronic Record Book as approved by the Administration. The EGCS Record Book entries should be maintained on board the ship for a minimum period of three years after the last entry has been made.

 

6          EMISSION TESTING

 

6.1       Emission testing should follow the requirements of the NO_X Technical Code 2008 except as provided for in these Guidelines.

 

6.2       CO₂ should be measured using an analyser operating on the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) principle and with additional equipment such as dryers as necessary. SO₂ should be measured using analysers operating on NDIR or non-dispersive ultra-violet (NDUV) principles and with additional equipment such as dryers as necessary. Other systems or analyser principles may be accepted, subject to the approval of the Administration, provided they yield equivalent or better results than those of the equipment referenced above. For acceptance of other CO₂ systems or analyser principles, the reference method should be in accordance with the requirements of appendix III of the NO_X Technical Code 2008.

 

6.3       The analysing equipment should be installed, operated, maintained, serviced and calibrated in accordance with the requirements as given in the OMM, at a frequency which ensures that the requirements of 1.7 to 1.10 of appendix III of the NO_X Technical Code 2008 are met at all times the equipment is in operation.

 

6.4       An exhaust gas sample for SO₂ should be obtained from a representative sampling point downstream of the EGC unit.

 

6.5       SO₂ and CO₂ should be monitored using either in situ or extractive sampling systems.

 

6.6       Extractive exhaust gas samples for SO₂ determination should be maintained at a sufficient temperature to avoid condensation of water in the sampling system and hence loss of SO₂.

 

6.7       If an extractive exhaust gas sample for determination needs to be dried prior to analysis it should be done in a manner that does not result in loss of SO₂ in the sample as analysed.

 

6.8       The SO₂ and CO₂ values should be compared on the basis of the same residual water content (e.g. dry or with the same wetness fraction).

 

6.9       In justified cases where the CO₂ concentration is reduced by the EGC unit, the CO₂ concentration can be measured at the EGC unit inlet, provided that the correctness of such a methodology can be clearly demonstrated. In such cases the SO₂ and CO₂ values should be compared on a dry basis. If measured on a wet basis the water content in the exhaust gas stream at those points should also be determined in order to correct the readings to dry basis values. For calculation of the CO₂ value on a dry basis, the dry/wet correction factor may be calculated in accordance with paragraph 5.12.3.2.2 of the NO_X Technical Code 2008.

 

6.10     Extractive sample systems should be verified to be free of ingress leakage in accordance with the analysing equipment manufacturers' recommendations at intervals as defined in the OMM. It should be verified that the system is free of ingress on initial start-up and as given in the OMM with the findings from those checks recorded in the EGCS Record Book.

 

6.11     The span gases for the SO₂ and CO₂ analyser should be a mixture of SO₂ and/or CO₂ and nitrogen at a concentration of more than 80% of the full scale of the measuring range used. The span gas for the CO₂ should conform to the requirements of section 2 of appendix IV of the NO_X Technical Code 2008. Other equivalent arrangements, as detailed in the OMM, may be accepted by the Administration.

 

7          DATA RECORDING AND PROCESSING DEVICE

 

7.1       The recording and processing device should be of robust, tamper-proof design with read-only capability.

 

7.2       The recording and processing device should record, whenever the EGCS is in operation, the data described in 4.4.7, 5.4.2, and 10.3 as applicable, including overboard discharges from any associated tanks within the system, against UTC and ship's position as given by a Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) and whether the ship was inside or outside an Emission Control Area as given by regulation 14.3 at that time. The device should also be capable of:

 

.1       (Scheme B only) being automatically set, or pre-set, with the Emission Ratio limit value as appropriate to the sea area, in relation to regulation 14.3, where the ship is operating;

.2       being automatically set, or pre-set, with the applicable overboard pH limit value;

.3       being automatically set with the applicable PAH limit value;

.4       recording the aggregated time in excess of 15 minutes over any rolling 12-hour period that the differential PAH value is above the set limit value by more than 100%;

.5       being pre-set with the applicable turbidity limit value;

.6       recording the aggregated time in excess of 15 minutes over any rolling 12-hour period that the rolling average differential turbidity value is above the set limit value by more than 20%; and

.7       recording preset and set limit values.

 

7.3       The recording and processing device should be capable of preparing reports over specified time periods.

 

7.4       Data should be retained for a period of not less than 18 months from the date of recording. If the device is changed over that period, it should be ensured that the required data is retained on board and available as required for inspection.

 

7.5       The device should be capable of downloading a copy of the recorded data and reports in a readily useable format clearly indicating periods of non-compliance. Such copy of the data and reports should be available to the Administration or port State control as requested.

 

8          ONBOARD MONITORING MANUAL (OMM)

 

8.1       An OMM should be prepared to cover each EGCS installed in conjunction with a fuel oil combustion unit, which should be identified, for which compliance is to be demonstrated.

 

8.2       The OMM should, as a minimum, include:

 

.1       for extractive exhaust gas sampling systems, the position from which the gas sample is drawn together with details, arrangement and operating ranges of the analysers and all necessary ancillary components or requirements including, but not limited to, sample probe assembly, sample transfer line and sample treatment unit;

.2       for in situ exhaust gas analysers, the location and arrangement of the analyser in the exhaust duct, operating ranges and all necessary ancillary components or requirements;

.3       for inlet water and discharge water monitoring, the positions from which the water samples are drawn, the location and arrangement of the analysers together with details of any necessary ancillary services such as sample transfer lines and sample treatment units;

.4       the analysers to be used for monitoring of exhaust gas, inlet water, discharge water, their service, maintenance, and calibration requirements. Templates covering the minimum information which should be included are provided in appendix 5;

.5       the zero and span check procedures of the exhaust gas analysers and calibration of washwater, discharge water and inlet water analysers together with reference materials to be used and the required frequency of those checks;

.6       the operating parameter instruments to be used described in 4.4.7 or 5.5.2;

.7       the installation, operation, adjustment, maintenance, servicing and calibration requirements and procedures of the analysers, associated ancillary equipment and operating parameter measurement instruments;

.8       the means by which ongoing compliance would be temporarily indicated in the case of the failure of a single monitoring device, taking into account that transitory periods of emission exceedances and/or isolated spikes in the recorded output in the Emissions Ratio do not necessarily mean non-compliant exceedance of emissions and should therefore not be considered as a breach of the requirements;

.9       the data recording system and how it is to be operated, data retained and the types of reports which it can produce;

.10     guidance as to data or other indications which may signify a malfunction of either an analyser, an item of ancillary equipment or an operating parameter sensor together with the fault-finding and corrective actions which should be taken;

.11     other information or data relevant to the correct functioning or use of the monitoring system or its use in demonstrating compliance; and

.12     where the information described in .1 to .11 above is referring to detailed descriptions of procedures, reference can be made to additional documents (e.g. manufacturer's documentation) which should be considered part of the OMM.

 

8.3       The OMM should specify how the EGCS, operating parameter measurement instruments and the exhaust gas and discharge water monitoring systems are to be surveyed in order to verify that:

 

.1       the EGCS conforms to the ETM-A or ETM-B as applicable;

.2       the operating parameter instruments installed and used on board are as approved per the OMM;

.3       the exhaust gas and discharge water monitoring systems used on board are as approved per the OMM;

.4       inspection, maintenance, servicing, calibration and adjustments have been undertaken as required and those actions recorded in the EGCS Record Book as required; and

.5       the operating parameter instruments and the exhaust gas and discharge water monitoring systems are correctly functioning.

 

8.4       Under scheme B, where operation of the EGCS is required in order to demonstrate the functionality of the monitoring system during installation or initial surveys, the OMM should describe the operational condition(s) which demonstrate the operational behaviour of the monitoring system and which should be used when surveying in accordance with paragraph 5.3.1. The description of operational condition(s) may include:

 

.1       the connected fuel oil combustion unit load point(s); and

 

.2       the minimum operating time at a given load point.

 

8.5       The OMM should be:

 

.1       approved by the Administration; and

 

.2       retained on board the ship onto which the EGCS is installed and should be available for surveys as required.

 

9          SHIP COMPLIANCE

 

9.1       SO_X Emissions Compliance Plan (SECP)

 

9.1.1    For a ship which is to use an EGCS, in part or in total, as an approved equivalent means to the requirements given by regulation 14.1 or 14.4 of MARPOL Annex VI there should be an SECP for the ship, approved by the Administration.

 

9.1.2    The SECP should list each fuel oil combustion unit which may use fuel oil supplied in accordance with the requirements of regulations 14.1 and/or 14.4 of MARPOL Annex VI.

 

9.1.3    The SECP should list each fuel oil combustion unit which may use Scheme A and/or B of these Guidelines together with identification of the EGCS to which it is connected and whether this control may be applied continuously or only inside or only outside the Emission Control Areas given by regulation 14.3 of MARPOL Annex VI.

 

9.1.4    The SECP should advise that records should be kept of actions initiated to meet the requirement of these Guidelines in case of breakdown of the EGCS or associated equipment, and that the relevant flag and port State's Administration should be notified, in accordance with MEPC.1/Circ.883/Rev.1.

 

9.2       Demonstration of compliance

 

9.2.1    Scheme A

 

9.2.1.1  The SECP should refer to, not reproduce, the ETM-A, EGCS Record Book or engine-room logger system and OMM as specified under Scheme A.

 

9.2.1.2  For all fuel oil combustion units listed under 9.1.3, details should be provided demonstrating that the rating and restrictions for the EGCS as approved, under 4.2.2.1.2, are complied with.

 

9.2.1.3  Required parameters should be monitored and recorded as described in 4.4.7 when the EGCS is in operation in order to demonstrate compliance.

 

9.2.2    Scheme B

 

9.2.2.1  The SECP should refer to, not reproduce, the ETM-B, EGCS Record Book or engine-room logger system and OMM as specified under Scheme B.

 

10        DISCHARGE WATER

 

10.1     Discharge water quality criteria¹

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¹     The discharge water quality criteria should be reviewed in the future as more data become available, including relevant research and development results, on the content of discharge water and its effects, taking into consideration any advice given by GESAMP. Guidance for voluntary discharge water data collection is included in appendix 3.

 

10.1.1 EGCS discharge water should comply with the following criteria prior to being discharged into the sea:

 

10.1.2 pH criteria

 

10.1.2.1  The discharge water pH should comply with one of the following requirements, which should be recorded in the ETM-A or ETM-B as applicable:

 

.1       The discharge water should have a pH no lower than 6.5 measured at the ship's overboard discharge with the exception that, during manoeuvring and transit, a maximum difference of 2 pH units is allowed between the inlet water and overboard discharge values.

.2       The pH discharge limit, at the overboard monitoring position, is the value that will ensure a pH no lower than 6.5 at a distance of 4 m from the overboard discharge point with the ship stationary, and is to be recorded as the overboard pH discharge limit in the ETM-A or ETM-B. The overboard pH discharge limit can be determined either by means of direct measurement, or by using a calculation-based methodology (computational fluid dynamics or other equally scientifically established empirical formulae) as agreed by the Administration, and in accordance with the following conditions to be recorded in the ETM-A or ETM-B:

.1       all EGC units connected to the same outlets are operating at their full loads (or highest practicable load) and with fuel oil of the maximum sulphur content for which the units are to be certified (Scheme A) or used with (Scheme B);

.2       if a test fuel with lower sulphur content, and/or test load lower than maximum, sufficient for demonstrating the behaviour of the discharge water plume is used, the plume's mixing ratio must be established based on the titration curve of seawater. The mixing ratio would be used to demonstrate the behaviour of the discharge water plume and that the overboard pH discharge limit has been met if the EGCS is operated at the highest fuel sulphur content and load for which the EGCS is certified (Scheme A) or used with (Scheme B);

.3       where the discharge water flow rate is varied in accordance with the EGCS gas flow rate, the implications of this for the part load performance should also be evaluated to ensure that the overboard pH discharge limit is met under any load;

.4       reference should be made to a seawater alkalinity of 2.2 mmol/L and pH 8.2;² an amended titration curve should be applied where the testing conditions differ from the reference seawater, as agreed by the Administration (example titration curve for reference seawater conditions is presented in appendix 4); and

.5       if a calculation-based methodology is to be used, details should be submitted to allow its verification such as but not limited to supporting scientific formulae, discharge point specification, discharge water flow rates, designated pH values at both the discharge and 4 m location, titration and dilution data.

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²     These values could be revised within two years for new installations following the adoption of these amended Guidelines upon further inputs on the physical state of the seas resulting from the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems.

 

10.1.3 PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

 

10.1.3.1  The discharge water PAH should meet the criteria below. The appropriate limit should be specified in the ETM-A or ETM-B.

 

10.1.3.2  The maximum continuous PAH concentration in the discharge water should not be greater than 50 µg/L PAH_phe (phenanthrene equivalent) above the inlet water PAH concentration. For the purposes of this criterion, the PAH concentration in the discharge water should be measured downstream of the water treatment equipment including any reactant dosing unit, if used, but upstream of any dilution for control of pH, if used, prior to discharge.

 

10.1.3.3  The 50 µg/L limit described above is normalized for a discharge flow rate, before any dilution for pH control, of 45 t/MWh where the MW refers to the aggregated MCR of all those fuel oil combustion units whose EGCS discharge water PAH is being monitored at that point. In cases where sensors are installed in a separate measurement cell, the PAH limit applies to the flow in the main discharge pipe from which the water is bypassed. This limit would have to be adjusted upward for lower washwater flow rates (t/h) per MW, and vice versa, according to the table below.

 

Table 5: Criteria for discharge water PAH concentration

 

 

*   Alternative measurement technologies may be used with the agreement of the Administration.

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³     For any flow rate > 2.5 t/MWh fluorescence technology should be used.

 

10.1.3.4  For an aggregated 15-minute period in any rolling 12-hour period, the continuous PAH_phe concentration limit may exceed the limit described above by up to 100%. This would allow for an abnormal start-up of the EGC unit.

 

10.1.4 Turbidity/Suspended particulate matter

 

10.1.4.1  The discharge water treatment system should be designed to minimize suspended particulate matter, including heavy metals and ash. The turbidity of the discharge water, following treatment equipment, including any reactant dosing, but upstream of any other dilution unit, if used, should meet the criteria below. The limit should be recorded in the ETM-A or ETM-B.