REMPEC fosters its cooperation with EMSA for the SAFEMED IV Training on MARPOL Annex VI for Algeria

REMPEC participated in the SAFEMED IV Training on Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) for Algeria organised by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) from 8 to 9 October 2019 at the École Nationale Supérieure Maritime (ENSM) in Bou Ismaïl, Tipaza Province, Algeria, within the framework of the European Union (EU)-funded SAFEMED IV project.

Over 40 participants from the Algerian maritime administration, environmental administration, port authorities, shipowners, ferry operators, fuel suppliers and students at the ENSM attended the training course.

The main objective of the training was to deliver a thorough overview of MARPOL Annex VI by covering issues related to Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides, Ozone Depleting Substances, etc. The training also included practical exercises on enforcement practices as well as presentations on the compliance, monitoring and enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI. Moreover, the Algerian maritime administration delivered a short presentation regarding the future plans for ratification of MARPOL Annex VI, the current arrangements and their implementation.

In the context of the on-going cooperation with EMSA on issues related to the protection of the marine environment, REMPEC contributed to the training by delivering a presentation on the possible designation of the Mediterranean Sea Area as an Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides pursuant to MARPOL Annex VI, within the framework of the Barcelona Convention. The Centre also took this opportunity to discuss, in the margins of the training, with the Algerian maritime administration about its forthcoming activities in 2019, including the organisation of a National Workshop on Ratification and Effective Implementation of MARPOL Annex VI for Algeria to be financed by the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), as an important milestone to follow up on the efforts of Algeria with regard to MARPOL Annex VI.