Session: PPR 13 | Date: 9–13 February 2026 | Location: IMO Headquarters, London
The 13th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 13) concluded on 13 February 2026 — just days ago — making this one of the most current regulatory updates available to the industry. The Sub-Committee addressed a wide range of MARPOL-related matters, with significant implications for superyacht operators in the areas of oily water management, biofouling, sewage treatment, plastic litter, and emissions in the Arctic.
MARPOL Annex I — Oily Bilge Water and Machinery Space Waste
PPR 13 finalised draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I and associated instruments concerning the forced evaporation of oily bilge water, alongside draft 2026 Guidelines for systems handling oily wastes in machinery spaces — including updated guidance for integrated bilge water treatment systems (IBTS). Revised guidance for the Oil Record Book Part I was also agreed.
For superyacht operators, this signals increased regulatory attention to the accuracy, completeness, and verifiability of machinery space operations records. Port State Control officers are paying closer attention to data integrity and consistency between ORB entries and equipment operation logs. Captains and chief engineers should ensure that oil record book practices are meticulous and that bilge water treatment systems are properly calibrated and maintained.
Biofouling — Legally Binding Framework in Development
PPR 13 advanced work on the development of a legally binding framework for the control and management of ships’ biofouling, aimed at minimising the transfer of invasive aquatic species. This follows years of voluntary guidelines and reflects growing international pressure — particularly from Pacific and Southern Ocean nations — for mandatory hull management requirements.
The superyacht sector is particularly exposed here. Yachts travel extensively across international waters and ecologically sensitive cruising areas, often spending extended periods in one location before transiting to new regions. Many ports and jurisdictions — particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific island states — already impose strict in-water inspection and cleaning requirements. A mandatory IMO framework will formalise and likely intensify these expectations globally. Operators should maintain up-to-date biofouling management plans and hull inspection records.
Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) — Discharge Water
The regulatory future of open-loop scrubber discharge water remained a major and contested topic at PPR 13. Several flag states and industry organisations raised concerns about the process by which some port states were imposing regional discharge restrictions ahead of IMO scientific review completion. The Sub-Committee reaffirmed the importance of following established IMO procedures and allowing the GESAMP Task Team to complete its evidence base before mandatory discharge restrictions are imposed.
For superyachts fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems, this regulatory uncertainty is a live issue. Operators should maintain awareness of port and coastal state regulations on EGCS discharge in their operating regions, as local restrictions may apply regardless of IMO-level outcomes.
Plastic Pellets and Marine Plastic Litter
PPR 13 agreed the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, with adoption by MEPC 84 expected. Significantly, the Sub-Committee recommended to MEPC that a new mandatory code for the carriage of plastic pellets could be developed through MARPOL Annex III or SOLAS — a notable step toward binding regulation in this area.
While the transport of plastic pellets is primarily a commercial cargo concern, the broader plastic litter action plan reinforces requirements on all vessel types regarding garbage management, MARPOL Annex V compliance, and record keeping. Superyacht operators should ensure garbage management plans and logs are current and consistently maintained.
MARPOL Annex IV — Sewage Treatment
Work continued on revisions to MARPOL Annex IV and associated guidelines governing sewage treatment plant performance and discharge standards. Data collection on effluent quality standards and regional regulations was progressed, with reporting back to PPR 14. Superyachts operating in sensitive marine areas — Baltic Sea, Norwegian fjords, polar regions, Caribbean special areas — should be aware that sewage discharge restrictions are subject to ongoing tightening, both at IMO level and through regional enforcement.
Black Carbon in the Arctic
Reducing black carbon (BC) emissions from vessels operating in Arctic and near-Arctic waters was a key focus. A proposal from Denmark, France, Germany and the Solomon Islands recommends mandatory requirements under MARPOL Annex VI for Arctic-operating ships to use fuels that produce lower BC emissions — specifically distillate fuels rather than heavy fuel oil. This is directly relevant to superyachts that cruise in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, including Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska. Operators planning high-latitude voyages should factor fuel type into passage planning and ensure their vessels can operate on compliant fuels throughout Arctic itineraries.
Key Actions for Superyacht Operators
- Review and update Oil Record Book procedures and bilge water treatment system documentation
- Develop or update a Biofouling Management Plan and maintain hull inspection records
- Monitor EGCS discharge restrictions in ports and coastal states within your operating area
- Ensure garbage management plans and logs comply with MARPOL Annex V
- For Arctic operations: plan for distillate fuel use and monitor developing Annex VI requirements
