Notice from Transport Canada Regarding Operation of Vessels Equipped with Shaft Power Limitation (ShaPoLi) or Engine Power Limitation (EPL) Systems in All Waters Including Compulsory Pilotage Areas (CPA)
Transport Canada has issued a notice to vessel operators navigating in all waters, including Compulsory Pilotage Areas (CPA), regarding their responsibilities under the 2021 Guidelines for Shaft Power Limitation (ShaPoLi) or Engine Power Limitation (EPL) systems. These systems are implemented to ensure compliance with the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) requirements.
The official Ship Safety Bulletin can be accessed at the following link:
Vessels equipped with Shaft or Engine Power Limitation Systems (ShaPoLi/EPL) operating in all waters including Compulsory Pilotage Areas (CPA) - SSB No.: 14/2025
Background
In 2021, Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) was amended to introduce mandatory technical and operational measures aimed at reducing carbon intensity in international shipping. These measures came into force in November 2022 and include Regulation 25 of MARPOL Annex VI, which mandates compliance with the EEXI for ships operating in all waters.
Operational Considerations for Vessels Equipped with ShaPoLi/EPL Systems
To comply with the EEXI requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), vessels equipped with ShaPoLi or EPL systems must adhere to the following guidelines to ensure safe operation in all waters:
1. Guidelines on the Use of Power Reserve (2021)
Masters and crew are permitted to use the power reserve (i.e., temporarily overriding the ShaPoLi or EPL system to access the engine’s full power) only under the following circumstances:
- For safety or life-saving purposes (MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 3.1)
- Severe weather conditions
- Navigation in ice-covered waters
- Search and rescue operations
- Piracy avoidance
- Engine maintenance
When using the power reserve, the following actions are required:
- Record the event in the Onboard Management Manual (OMM) – Section 3.2
- Record the event in the logbook even if the reserve was not used – Section 3.3
- Report the event to the Recognized Organization (RO) – Section 3.4
- Reactivate or replace the system after the risk has been mitigated – Section 3.5
Verification with evidence such as engine power logs or photos of mechanical seals is required.
2. Additional Considerations for Operation in Compulsory Pilotage Areas (CPA)
Vessels entering or operating in CPAs must also consider the following:
- Obligation to inform the pilot of the presence of ShaPoLi/EPL systems
- Confirm whether the main propulsion system can respond immediately in emergencies
- Indicate the active/inactive status of the system and its impact on performance on the pilot card
- Refer to relevant notices and guidelines from:
- Canadian Pilotage Authorities
- St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
- PPA – Notice to industry 04/2024 (July 16, 2024)
- LPA – Industry Notice – Engine Power Limiters
- Seaway Notice No.7 – Ships Equipped with Engine Power or Shaft Power Limitation Systems
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