In order to fulfill international maritime environmental protection obligations and promote the green development of the shipping industry, the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the People’s Republic of China recently issued an announcement specifying the detailed implementation requirements for the 2024 Amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention. These amendments were adopted by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) at its 81st session.

Key Announcement Provisions (Effective as of August 1, 2025):

1.Enhanced Management of Fuel Supply Documentation:

Entities supplying low-flashpoint fuels or gas fuels to shipsengaged in international voyagesshall provide the fuel delivery note as required by the amended Regulation 18.5.2 of Annex VI. Both the receiving ship and the supplying unit shall retain this documentation for at least 3 years.

2.Clarified Emission Standards for Non-Identical Replacement Marine Diesel Engines:

Chinese-flagged ships engaged in international voyages installing non-identical replacement marine diesel engines (not identical to the original) that cannot meet the stringent Tier III emission standards shall, in accordance with amended Regulation 13.2.2 of Annex VI, ensure compliance at least with Tier II standards. Ship survey organizations shall conduct surveys and issue certificates based on these requirements and shallreport the relevant information to the MSA within one month after completing the survey.

3.Strengthened Ship Energy Consumption Data Collection and Reporting:

New Ships: Chinese-flagged of 5,000 gross tonnage and above delivered on or after August 1, 2025 engaged in international voyages, shall collect ship energy consumption data according to the amended Appendix IX of Annex VI from the date of delivery and report this data to maritime authorities according to the amended requirements.

Existing Ships: Existing Chinese-flagged ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages shall first revise their Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and complete its verification according to relevant regulations. As of January 1, 2026, these ships shall also collect and report energy consumption data according to the amended requirements.

MSA urges all relevant shipping companies, ships, fuel supply units, and survey organizations to familiarize themselves with the new regulations in advance, strictly fulfill their obligations, ensure compliant operations, and jointly contribute to protecting the marine environment.