Critical Regulatory Update from MEPC 79

In December 2022, during the MEPC 79 session, a crucial decision was made to amend the Revised Guidelines and Specifications for Pollution Prevention Equipment for Machinery Space Bilges of Ships. This significant update might not have garnered widespread media attention, but it represents a vital improvement for the maritime sector.

Why This Matters
As the maritime industry progresses towards more sustainable shipping practices, including the introduction of new fuels, the nature of what ends up in the bilges is changing. Regulations nearly two decades old are inadequate to address today's technological and operational realities. This also presents an opportunity for MEPC and PPR to rectify a market distorted by a test procedure that extends only up to 9 hours. This inadequate testing duration has allowed inferior separators into the market, compelling crew members to make difficult decisions.

Marinflocs Proposed Revisions to the Guidelines

A much more rigorous test procedure for approval: It has long been our firm belief that the current rather lax test procedure for the approval of bilge water separators is the cause of many problems and the poor reputation this type of equipment has in the industry. A new set of regulations should address this and require providers to demonstrate functional efficacy over an extended period. This approach is already present in the marine industry for, for example, sewage treatment plants, so it should be straightforward to implement in this context as well. Certificates for approved facilities should detail how much consumable material the facility required during the test.

Inclusion of Heavy Metals Testing: Add heavy metals as a parameter to measure. Oil is far from the only environmental hazard; heavy metals also pose significant risks to marine ecosystems due to their toxicity and persistence. 3. Performance commissioning: Add a performance commissioning to the one that occurs at the shipyard to ensure the separator works under real-life conditions.

Performance commissioning: Add a performance commissioning to the one that occurs at the shipyard to ensure the separator works under real-life conditions.

Our Role: As pioneers in marine wastewater management, Marinfloc's technology and solutions have been consistently aligned with the objectives of eliminating pollution risks and enhancing operational reliability. Our systems are designed not only to meet but exceed regulatory standards, a commitment we've upheld for nearly 30 years. We can assure our customers that the Marinfloc equipment they have onboard complies with the above proposals, whether it was purchased in 1996 or 2024.