Prevention of air pollution from ships

Read about New Zealand’s application of the International Maritime Organization’s convention known as MARPOL Annex VI, seeking to reduce and prevent air pollution from ships.

On 26 May 2022, New Zealand signed up to the IMO convention known as MARPOL Annex VI.

Maritime New Zealand
View this clip about the IMO convention known as MARPOL Annex VI.

The Marine Protection Rules Part 199: Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (Part 199) brings the requirements of Annex VI into effect in New Zealand law. Part 199 comes into force progressively starting from 26 August 2022.

New Zealand signed up to Annex VI of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) on 26 May 2022. MARPOL has six annexes categorised by pollution type. Annex VI of MARPOL seeks to address the impact of air pollution from shipping activities on human health and environments in and around port communities, and the impacts of emissions from shipping activities on climate change and ozone layer depletion.

The MARPOL Annex VI requirements are given effect by the Marine Protection Rules Part 199: Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships, and the Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations (administered by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment). The rules apply to New Zealand ships voyaging anywhere in the world, and to all other ships in seas under New Zealand’s jurisdiction, except for warships and ships of the New Zealand Defence Force. The rules do not apply to ships that only operate in inland waters, such as lakes or rivers. Some of the rules apply to smaller ships, for instance boats with powerful engines.

 

MARPOL Annex VI

You can access the full text of MARPOL Annex VI and the documents incorporated by reference in Part 199 here.

Read MARPOL Annex VI 

Contact us

If you have any comments or questions, please contact Maritime NZ or talk to your recognised surveyor.

Related information:

Coming into New Zealand with non-compliant fuel?

Complete a FONAR form before your ship arrives

[PDF: 278kB, 3 pages]

Download

New guidelines

New environmental rules for domestic commercial ships under 400GT

[PDF: 2.42MB, 12 pages]

Download