MARPOL Annex I, Reg. 43A – Heavy fuel oil in Arctic Waters

Amendments to MARPOL Annex I, Reg. 43A, prohibiting the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in the Arctic were approved under the Resolution MEPC.329(76).

The use and carriage of oils listed in the new regulation 43.1.2 as fuel by ships is prohibited in Arctic Waters on or after 1 July 2024 and is applicable to all ships with the exception of ships engaged in securing the safety of ships or in search and rescue operations, and ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response.

For ships with oil fuel tanks which comply with regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex 1 or regulation 1.2.1 of Chapter 1, Part II-A of the Polar Code shall be prohibited in Arctic on and after 1 July 2029.