The 81st session of IMO’s Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) was held in London, IMO Headquarters, from 18 to 24 March, 2024. Two proposals submitted by COSCO SHIPPING, “Proposal to clarify the term heavy load carrier in MARPOL Annex VI” (MEPC 81/6/11) and “Proposed amendments to the capacity used in the CII Guidelines, G5 for voyage adjustments and correction factors” (MEPC 81/6/12), were considered and adopted.

Proposal to clarify the term heavy load carrier in MARPOL Annex VI (MEPC 81/6/11) clarifies the concept of "heavy load carrier" as contained in the definition of General Cargo Ship under MARPOL Annex VI and provides a unified criterion for identification thereto. This proposal addresses the problem of inconsistency in the implementation of energy efficiency regulations for such ship types with different flag state, for the sake of equity of international maritime regulations. It has been included in and will be released by Circular MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.9.

Noting that ambiguity arising from the parameterization for capacity of vessels under the current CII G5 Guidelines may lead to discrepancies in the CII calculation for some vessels, and further undermine the equity of CII ratings, Proposed amendments to the capacity used in the CII Guidelines, G5 for voyage adjustments and correction factors (MEPC 81/6/12) suggests revision conducting accurate CII calculations and ratings for bulk carriers, LNG carriers and ro-ro carriers (vehicle transportation vessel) with specific capacity, which ensures the normal implementation of relevant ships concerning the operational energy efficiency ratings.