The Federal Government has introduced legislation before Parliament that will aim to reduce pollution from ships in a bid to protect the marine environment.

 

The Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 requires new ships to adhere to new energy efficiency targets and fall all ships to develop energy efficiency management plans.

 

The Bill will implement amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization last July.

 

The Bill makes mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships of 400 gross tonnage and over that will be built on or after 1 January 2013 for international trade. New ships can meet energy efficiency targets through improved hull design and more energy efficient engines.

 

It also makes mandatory a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan for all ships of that size. Energy savings can be achieved through speed optimisation and hull maintenance.

 

Passenger ships operating in designated ‘special areas’ will also face new restrictions relating to the discharge of sewage and the disposal of garbage in environmentally sensitive areas.