Manama: The Kingdom of Bahrain has officially acceded to Annex VI of the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), modified by the 1978 Protocol. This move underscores Bahrain's dedication to safeguarding the marine environment, improving air quality, and minimizing emissions from the maritime transport sector in alignment with global standards and practices.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this accession is a continuation of Bahrain's international environmental commitments following its previous accession to MARPOL and Annexes I, II, and V under Law No. (32) of 2005. Annex VI stands as a crucial environmental component of the convention, presenting a comprehensive framework to regulate air emissions from ships. It sets limits on the sulphur content of marine fuel, governs nitrogen oxide emissions from ship engines, and seeks to reduce particulate matter, volatile organic compounds from oil tankers, and ozone-depleting substances. Additionally, it mandates ships to acquire the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate and adhere to energy efficiency and carbon intensity reduction requirements.
Bader Hood Al Mahmood, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, emphasized Bahrain's unwavering commitment to supporting international efforts to protect the marine environment and reduce maritime transport emissions. He highlighted that this step signifies Bahrain's dedication to adopting the latest standards sanctioned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while bolstering maritime navigation's role in promoting sustainable development and mitigating pollution linked to the sector.
Al Mahmood further stated that Ports Affairs will continue to enhance maritime inspection and oversight systems, ensuring the implementation of new environmental requirements for ships visiting Bahraini ports and vessels registered under the Bahraini flag. These efforts aim to boost maritime sector efficiency, support the transition to more sustainable operations, and cement Bahrain's status as a maritime hub dedicated to the highest international standards.
Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), remarked that Bahrain's accession to MARPOL Annex VI marks a significant milestone in fortifying integrated environmental action and amplifying the Kingdom's role in global efforts to protect air quality. She noted that the measure will intensify inspections of ships at Bahraini ports to verify compliance with fuel and emissions requirements in line with IMO standards and enhance compliance by Bahraini-flagged vessels with international environmental mandates, including obtaining necessary certifications and implementing energy efficiency management plans. These steps will contribute to the protection and sustainability of the environment and its resources for future generations.
MARPOL's overarching goal is to protect the environment from pollution and other impacts arising from shipping operations and maritime navigation through international collaboration among its member states. Its annexes, adopted over time since the convention's inception, provide detailed regulations covering various environmental aspects of shipping and maritime activities.