Prevention of air pollution from ships
On 26 May 2022, New Zealand signed up to the IMO convention known as MARPOL Annex VI.
Marine Protection Rules Part 199, Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships, brought into effect in New Zealand law the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI.
MARPOL has six annexes, grouped by pollution type. Annex VI addresses the impact of air pollution from shipping activities on human health and on environments in and around port communities. It also addresses the impact of emissions from shipping activities on climate change and ozone layer depletion.
In New Zealand, the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI are given effect by:
-
the Marine Protection Rules Part 199, Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (Marine Protection Rules Part 199)
-
the Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Marine Protection Rules Part 199 applies to:
-
New Zealand ships on voyages anywhere in the world
-
all other ships in seas under New Zealand jurisdiction.
Marine Protection Rules Part 199 does not apply to:
-
warships and ships of the New Zealand Defence Force
-
ships that only operate in inland waters, such as lakes or rivers.
Some of the rules apply to smaller ships, for example boats with powerful engines.
MARPOL Annex VI documents
You can read the full text of MARPOL Annex VI and the documents that Maritime NZ has incorporated by reference into Part 199