The Federal Government has passed legislation that will force ships to reduce their pollution levels.

 

The Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 will see improved energy efficiency targets made to apply to new ships, with larger ships being required to set out how energy savings will be made.

 

The legislation implements amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) which was adopted by the International Maritime Organization earlier this year.

 

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.