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New air pollution regulations from 1 January 2023

Friday 2 December 2022
From 1 January 2023, there are new regulations relating to air pollution from vessels.
Air pollution from vessels

From 1 January 2023, there are new regulations relating to air pollution from vessels.

Marine Order 97 (MO97) deals with the prevention of air pollution from vessels and gives effect to the MARPOL Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from ships (Annex VI). MO97 applies to regulated Australian vessels, domestic commercial vessels, recreational vessels and foreign vessels.

MO97 has been reviewed to ensure consistency with MARPOL Annex VI.

The reissue of MO97 implements a new short-term measure adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030. The short-term measure applies to certain types of foreign-flagged and commercial Australian vessels that undertake international voyages.  

It also introduces an exemption certificate for unmanned non-self-propelling (UNSP) barges from certain International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP) Certificate survey and certification requirements.  

 MO97 also requires that all marine diesel engines with a power output of more than 130 kW installed on a domestic commercial vessel from 1 January 2023, or that undergo a major conversion from that date, must have on board an EIAPP certificate and associated technical file.   

Any existing diesel engines installed before 1 January 2023 will not require an EIAPP certificate or associated technical file unless the engine undergoes a major conversion or the vessel undertakes an overseas voyage (for example, to undertake maintenance or for delivery).   

These new requirements are the result of close consultation with industry this year. Read the consultation feedback report for more detail.

Visit the AMSA website for more information on the updates to MO97.

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