The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG) met for its 11th session from 16-20 April 2007 in London, UK.

The BLG made progress on the review of the Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships’ (MARPOL) regulations and implementation timeframes to reduce NOx emission limits for new and existing engines, and volatile organic compounds. Participants also discussed sulphur and fuel oil quality, and emission trading. Other agenda items included: the application of requirements for the carriage of biofuels and biofuel blends; draft guidelines for uniform implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments; safety for gas¬fuelled engine installations in ships; and the prevention of marine pollution during oil transfer operations between ships at sea. In light of the large number of proposals considered by the sub-committee, IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos will propose that a cross government/industry scientific group evaluate their overall effects and submit the results of their study to the forthcoming fifty-sixth session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, scheduled for July 2007.
Link to further information
IMO Briefing, 26 April 2007