Index of MEPC Resolutions and Guidelines related to MARPOL Annex VI

 Index Content of Resolutions and Guidelines

Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code

Resolution

Title

Date of entry into force

MEPC.392(82)Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Designation of the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter, as appropriate) 1 March 2026
MEPC.385(81)Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Low-flashpoint fuels and other fuel oil related issues, marine diesel engine replacing steam system, accessibility of data and inclusion of data on transport work and enhanced granularity in the IMO Ship Fuel Consumption Database (IMO DCS))
 1 August 2025
 MEPC.361(79)Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter1 May 2024
MEPC.362(79)Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Regional reception facilities within Arctic waters, information to be included in the bunker delivery note (BDN) and information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database1 May 2024
Certified copy of resolution MEPC.328(76)2021 Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto 2021 Revised MARPOL Annex VI (Resolution MEPC.328(76))
1 November 2022
MEPC.328(76)
Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating there to
(2021 Revised MARPOL Annex VI)
1 November 2022
MEPC.1/Circ.897Cross-reference tables for amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (2021 revised MARPOL Annex VI)1 November 2022
MEPC.324(75)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Procedures for sampling and verification of the sulphur content of fuel oil and the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI))
1 April 2022
MEPC.317(74)
Amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008
(Electronic Record Books and Certification requirements for SCR systems)
1 October 2020
MEPC.316(74)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Electronic Record Books and EEDI regulations for ice-strengthened ships)
1 October 2020
MEPC.305(73)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Prohibition on the Carriage of Non-Compliant Fuel Oil for Combustion Purposes for Propulsion or Operation on board a ship)
1 March 2020
MEPC.301(72)

Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(ECAs and required EEDI for ro-ro cargo ships and ro-ro passenger ships)
1 September 2019
MEPC.286(71) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Designation of the Baltic Sea and the North Sea Emission Control Areas for NOX Tier III control)
(Information to be included in the bunker delivery note)
1 January 2019
MEPC.278(70) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships)
1 March 2018
MEPC.271(69) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Amendments to regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI – Record requirements for operational compliance with NOx Tier III emission control areas)
1 September 2017
MEPC.272(69) Amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008
(Testing of gas-fuelled and dual fuel engines)
1 September 2017
MEPC.258(67) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Amendments to regulations 2 and 13 and the Supplement to the IAPP Certificate)
1 March 2016
MEPC.251(66) and its Corrigendum Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code 2008
(Amendments to regulations 2, 13, 19, 20 and 21 and the Supplement to the IAPP Certificate under MARPOL Annex VI and certification of dual-fuel engines under the NOx Technical Code 2008)
1 September 2015
MEPC.247(66) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(To make the use of the III Code mandatory)
1 January 2016
MEPC.217(63)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code 2008
(Regional arrangements for port reception facilities under MARPOL Annex VI and Certification of marine diesel engines fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction systems under the NOx Technical Code 2008)
1 August 2013
MEPC.203(62)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Inclusion of regulations on energy efficiency for ships in MARPOL Annex VI)
1 January 2013
MEPC.202(62)
and its Corrigendum
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Designation of the United States Caribbean Sea Emission Control Area and exemption of certain ships operating in the North American Emission Control Area and the United States Caribbean Sea Emission Control Area under regulations 13 and 14 and Appendix VII of MARPOL Annex VI)
1 January 2013
MEPC.194(61)
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(Revised form of Supplement to the IAPP Certificate)
1 February 2012
MEPC.190(60) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI
(North American Emission Control Area)
1 August 2011
MEPC.177(58) Amendments to the technical code on control of emission of nitrogen oxides from marine diesel engines
(NOx Technical Code 2008)
1 July 2010
MEPC.176(58) Amendments to the Annex of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating there to
(Revised MARPOL Annex VI)
1 July 2010

Unified Interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code 2008

MEPC Resolution/ Circular Title Status
MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.9Unified interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI Revokes MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.8
MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.8Unified interpretations to MARPOL Annex VIRevokes MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.7 
MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.7 
Unified interpretations to MARPOL Annex VIRevokes MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.6
MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.4
Unified Interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI MEPC 74/18, paragraph 5.60
MEPC.1/Circ.895/Rev.1United Interpretations to the NOx Technical Code 2008, as amendedRevokes MEPC.1/Circ.895
 MEPC.1/Circ.865

Guidelines related to Air Pollution prevention from ships

Resolution / Circular Title Status Relevant regulation in MARPOL Annex VI
MEPC.340(77) and its Corrigendum (1) and Corrigendum (2)2021 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning SystemsSupersedes
MEPC.259(68) and its
corrigendum
MEPC.184(59) 
Regulation 4.3
MEPC.1/Circ.883/Rev.1Guidance on indication of ongoing compliance in the case of the failure of a single monitoring instrument, and recommended actions to take if the exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) fails to meet the provisions of the EGCS GuidelinesSupersedes
MEPC.1/Circ.883
Regulation 4.3
MEPC.307(73) 2018 Guidelines for the Discharge of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Bleed-Off Water
MEPC.1/Circ.881
Guidance for port State control on contingency measures for addressing non-compliant fuel oil Regulations 10 and 11
MEPC.321(74)
2019 Guidelines for port State control under MARPOL Annex VI Chapter 3
Revokes
MEPC.181(59)
Regulations 10 and 11
MEPC.313(74)
Amendments to the 2017 Guidelines addressing additional aspects of the NOx Technical Code 2008 with regard to particular requirements related to marine diesel engines fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems (Resolution MEPC.291(71))
Regulation 13
MEPC.291(71)  2017 Guidelines addressing additional aspects to the NOx technical code 2008 with regard to particular requirements related to marine diesel engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems Supersedes
MEPC.198(62)
and MEPC.260(68)
Regulation 13
MEPC.1/Circ.854 Guidance on the application of regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI Tier III requirements to dual fuel and gas-fuelled engines   Regulation 13
MEPC.386(81)2024 Guidelines as required by regulation 13.2.2 of MARPOL Annex VI in respect of non-identical replacement engines not required to meet the Tier III limitsupersedes MEPC.230(65)Regulation 13.2.2
MEPC.230(65) 2013 Guidelines as required by regulation 13.2.2 of MARPOL Annex VI in respect of non-identical replacement engines not required to meet the tier III limit   Regulation 13.2.2
MEPC.1/Circ.755Information on the United States Caribbean Sea Emission Control Area Under MARPOL ANNEX VI 
Regulations 13.6 and 14.3
MEPC.243(66) 2014 Guidelines on the approved method process   Regulation 13.7.1
MEPC.242(66) 2014 Guidelines in respect of the information to be submitted by an Administration to the organization covering the certification of an approved method as required under regulation 13.7.1 of MARPOL Annex VI   Regulation 13.7.1
MEPC.1/Circ.678 Definitions for the cost effectiveness formula in regulation 13.7.5 of the revised MARPOL Annex VI  
Regulation 13.7.5
MEPC.320(74)
2019 Guidelines for consistent implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI
Regulation 14
MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1 2019 Guidelines for onboard sampling for the Verification of the sulphur content of the fuel oil used on board ships Revokes MEPC.1/Circ.864
Regulations 14 and 18
MEPC.1-Circ.889
2020 Guidelines for on board sampling of fuel oil intended to be used or carried for use on board a ship

Regulations 14 and 18
MEPC.280(70)
Effective date of implementation of the fuel oil standard in regulation 14.1.3 of MARPOL Annex VI  
Regulations 14.1.3 and 14.10
MEPC.326(75)
2020 Guidelines for monitoring the worldwide average sulphur content of fuel oils supplied for use on board ships
Revokes MEPC.192(61)
Regulation 14.2
(MEPC.273(69)) Amendments to the 2010 Guidelines for monitoring the worldwide average sulphur content of fuel oils supplied for use on board ships
(Consolidated text:  MEPC.1/Circ.862)

Regulation 14.2
MEPC.1/Circ.509 Notification to the Organization on ports or terminals where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions are to be regulated   Regulation 15.1
MEPC.185(59) Guidelines for the development of a VOC management plan   Regulation 15.6
MEPC.1/Circ.680 Technical information on systems and operation to assist development of VOC management plans for tankers carrying crude oil   Regulation 15.6
MEPC.1/Circ.719 Technical information on a vapour pressure control system in order to facilitate the development and the update of VOC management plans   Regulation 15.6
MEPC.368(79)Amendments to the 2014 Standard specification for shipboard incinerators (Resolution MEPC.244(66))Regulation 16.6.1
MEPC.244(66)
2014 Standard specification for shipboard incinerators
Supersedes
MEPC.76(40) and
MEPC.93(45)
Regulation 16.6.1
MEPC.373(80)2023 Guidelines for Thermal Waste Treatment Devices (TWTD)Regulation 16.5.2
MEPC.199(62) 2011 Guidelines for reception facilities under MARPOL Annex VI   Regulation 17
MEPC.363(79)Amendments to the 2012 Guidelines for the development of a regional reception facilities plan (Resolution MEPC.221(63))Regulation 17.2
MEPC.221(63)
2012 Guidelines for the development of a regional reception facilities plan   Regulation 17.2
MEPC.1/Circ.884/Rev.1
Guidance for best practice for Member State/coastal State Revokes
MEPC.1/Circ.884
Regulation 18
MEPC.1/Circ.875 Guidance on best practice for fuel oil purchasers/users for assuring the quality of fuel oil used on board ships Regulation 18
MEPC.1/Circ.880
Reporting of availability of compliant fuel oils in accordance with regulation 18.1 Of MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 18.1
MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.15
Delivery of commpliant fuel oil by suppliers
Regulations 14 and 18
MEPC.1/Circ.875/Add.1 Guidance on best practice for fuel oil suppliers for assuring the quality of fuel oil delivered to ships Regulation 14
MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18Guidelines for the sampling of fuel oil for determination of compliance with MARPOL Annex VI and SOLAS chapter II-2Revokes
MEPC.182(59)
Regulation 18.8.1
MEPC.1/Circ.882
Early application of the verification procedures for a MARPOL Annex VI fuel oil sample (regulation 18.8.2 or regulation 14.8) Regulation 18.8.2
MEPC.1/Circ.849 Guidance on the supplement to the IAPP Certificate   Appendix I
MEPC.128(53) Amendments to the revised survey guidelines under the harmonized system of survey and certification (Resolution A.948(23)) for the purpose of MARPOL Annex VI   ---
MEPC.1/Circ.878
Guidance on the development of a ship implementation plan for the consistent implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI Regulations 14 and 18
MEPC.1-Circ.899
2022 Guidelines for risk and impact assessments of the discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems 

Guidelines and guidance on the carbon intensity of international shipping 

Resolution / Circular Title Status Relevant regulation in MARPOL Annex VI
MEPC.395(82)2024 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)revokes MEPC.346(78) and its amendments MEPC.388(81)Regulation 26
MEPC.374(80)Amendments to the 2022 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)(Resolution MEPC.365(79))amends MEPC.365(79)Regulation 5
MEPC.365(79)2022 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)Supersedes MEPC.254(67) and its amendments (MEPC.261(68)MEPC.309(73)Regulation 5
MEPC.254(67) and its amendments MEPC.261(68)MEPC.309(73)2014 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Amendments to the 2014 Guidelines on Survey and Certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) (Consolidated text MEPC.1/Circ.855/Rev.2)Revokes MEPC.214(63) and MEPC.234(65)Regulation 5
MEPC.350(78)2022 Guidelines on survey and certification of the attained energy efficiency existing ship index (EEXI) MEPC.334(76)Regulation 5.4
MEPC.1/Circ.914
Revised sample format for the confirmation of compliance pursuant to regulation 5.4.5 of MARPOL Annex VIRevokes MEPC.1/Circ.876Regulation 5.4.5
MEPC.334(76)2021 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)Regulations 5 and 25.3
MEPC.1/Circ.9002022 Guidance regarding the delivery of EGCS residues to port reception facilitiesRegulation 17.1.2
MEPC.1/Circ.8962021 Guidance on treatment of innovative energy efficiency technologies for calculation and verification of the attained EEDI and EEXISupersedes MEPC.1/Circ.815Regulation 20
MEPC.1/Circ.796Interim Guidelines for the calculation of the coefficient fw for decrease in ship speed in a representative sea condition for trial useRegulation 20
MEPC.1/Circ.9012022 Guidance on methods, procedures and verification of in-service performance measurementsRegulation 20.2
MEPC.308(73)2018 Guidelines on the Method of Calculation of the Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new shipsSupersedes MEPC.245(66) and its amendmentsRegulation 20.2
MEPC.364 (79)2022 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained energy efficiency design index (EEDI) for new ships Supercedes MEPC.308(73)Regulations 20 and 22
MEPC.332(76)Amendments to the 2018 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for New ships (resolution MEPC.308(73), as amended by resolution MEPC.322(74))Earlier amendments MEPC.322(74)Regulations 20 and 22
MEPC.233(65)2013 guidelines for calculation of reference lines for use with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for cruise passenger ships having non-conventional propulsionRegulation 21
MEPC.231(65)calculation of reference lines for use with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)Revokes MEPC.215(63)Regulation 21
MEPC.1/Circ.850/Rev.3Guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power to maintain the manoeuvrability of ships in adverse conditionsRevokes MEPC.1/Circ.850/Rev.2, consolidated text of MEPC.232(65)and its amendments(MEPC.255(67)andMEPC.262(68)Regulation 21.5
MEPC.350(78)2022 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained energy efficiency existing ship index (EEXI)Revokes MEPC.333(76)Regulation 23
MEPC.1/Circ.908Format for reporting to the Organization uses of a power reserveRegulations 23 and 25
MEPC.390(81) Amendments to the 2021 Guidelines on the shaft/engine power limitation system to comply with the EEXI requirements and use of a power reserve (resolution MEPC.335(76)), as amended by resolution MEPC.375(80))amends MEPC.375(80)Regulations 23 and 25
MEPC.375(80)Amendments to the 2021 Guidelines on the shaft/engine power limitation system to comply with the EEXI requirements and use of a power reserve amends MEPC.335(76)Regulations 23 and 25
MEPC.333(76)2021 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the Attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)Regulations 23 and 25.3
MEPC.388(81)Amendments to the 2022 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)amends MEPC.346(78)Regulation 26
MEPC.346(78)2022 Guidelines for the development of a ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP)Revokes MEPC.282(70) Supersedes MEPC.213(63)Regulation 26
MEPC.347(78)Guidelines for the verification and company audits by the administration of part iii of the ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP)Regulation 26
MEPC.1/Circ.905Interim Guidance on the use of Biofuels under Regulations 26,27 and 28 of MARPOL Annex VI (DCS AND CII)Regulations 26,27 and 28
Circular Letter No.3827Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) - IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database ModuleRegulation 27
MEPC.1/Circ.871Submission of data to the IMO data collection system of fuel oil consumption of ships from a State not party to MARPOL Annex VIRegulation 27
MEPC.1/Circ.871/Rev.1Guidance for submission of data to the IMO data collection system of fuel oil consumption of ships from a State not party to MARPOL Annex VIRevokes MEPC.1/Circ.871Regulations 27 and 28
MEPC.1/Circ.913Guidance on the Application of the Amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI on inclusion of data on transport work and enhanced granularity in the IMO ship fuel consumption database (IMODOCS) as adopted by resolution MEPC.385(81) Regulation 27.1 
MEPC.349(78)2022 Guidelines for the development and management of the IMO ship fuel oil consumption databaseRevokes MEPC.293(71)Regulations 27.12 and 27.13
MEPC.389(81)Amendments to the 2022 Guidelines for Administration verification of ship fuel oil consumption data and operational carbon intensityamends MEPC.348(78)Regulations 27.7 and 28.6
MEPC.348(78)2022 Guidelines for administration verification of ship fuel oil consumption data and operational carbon intensityRevokes MEPC.292(71)Regulations 27.7 and 28.6
MEPC.352(78)2022 Guidelines on operational carbon intensity indicators and the calculation methods (CII Guidelines, G1)Revokes MEPC 336(76)Regulation 28.1
MEPC.355(78)2022 interim Guidelines on correction factors and voyage adjustments for CII calculations (CII Guidelines, G5)Regulation 28.1 and Regulation 28.11
MEPC.353(78)2022 Guidelines on the reference lines for use with operational carbon intensity indicators (CII reference lines Guidelines, G2)Revokes MEPC.337(76)Regulation 28.4
MEPC.337(76)

2021 Guidelines on the reference lines for use with Operational Carbon Intensity Indicators (CII Reference Lines Guidelines, G2)  Regulations 28.4 and 28.11
MEPC.338(76) 2021 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity reduction factors relative to reference lines (CII Reduction Factor Guidelines, G3) Regulations 28.4 and 28.11
MEPC.354(78)2022 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity rating of ships (CII rating Guidelines, G4)Revokes MEPC.339(76)Regulation 28.6
MEPC.339(76)

2021 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity rating of ships (CII Rating Guidelines, G4) Regulations 28.6 and 28.11
MEPC.1/Circ.684 Guidelines for voluntary use of the Ship Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) ---
MEPC.1/Circ.863 Recommendation on exemption of ships not normally engaged on international voyages from the requirements in chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI ---


Resolutions and circulars related to the Promotion of technical co-operation and transfer of technology

Resolution / Circular Title
Status
MEPC.366(79)Invitation to Member States to encourage voluntary cooperation between the port and shipping sectors to contribute to reducing GHG emissions from ships Revokes MEPC.323(74)
MEPC 367(79)Encouragement of Member States to develop and submit voluntary National Action Plans to address GHG emissions from shipsRevokes MEPC.327(75)
MEPC.229(65)Promotion of technical co-operation and transfer of technology relating to the improvement of energy efficiency of ships 
MEPC.1/Circ.861Model Agreement between Governments on technological cooperation for the implementation of the regulations in chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI 

Black Carbon related documents

Resolution/Circular
Title Status
MEPC.394(82)Guidelines on recommendatory Black Carbon emission measurement, monitoring and reporting
MEPC.393(82)Guidance on best practice on recommendatory goal-based control measures to reduce the impact on the Arctic of Black Carbon emissions from international shipping
MEPC.342(77)Protecting the Arctic from shipping Black Carbon emissions
---Reporting protocol for voluntary measurement studies to collect Black Carbon data, as agreed by PPR 5 (to download Excel format please click here)


Relevant Information

Resolution / Circular Title Status
MEPC.391(81)2024 Guidelines on Lifecycle GHG intensity of marine fuels (2024 LCA Guidelines)revokes MEPC.376(80)
---Review Plan of the short-term GHG reduction measures can be found here
MEPC.1/Circ.885/Rev.1Procedure for assessing impacts on States of candidate measuresRevokes MEPC.1/Circ.885
MEPC.1/Circ.794
and its Corrigendum
On-Shore Power Supply 
---Standard format for voluntary submission of EEDI information to be included in the EEDI database (to view format please click here)