A GUIDE TO THE UNIFIED TECHNICAL FILE — REGULATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF AIR POLLUTION FROM SHIPS

This booklet is designed for Licensees, ship operators, shipyards, and marine engineers in general, to illustrate the Unified Technical File created for all MAN B&W engines, which is necessary to comply with the IMO regulation aimed at preventing air pollution.

The Unified Technical File serves as a document that outlines a procedure, primarily based on performance measurements, enabling the operator to confirm adherence to the IMO ‘NOx Technical Code’ to the Flag State Authority or their representative when the engine undergoes checks in service. MAN B&W Diesel has developed this booklet to partly elucidate survey procedures and partly serve as a reference manual for IMO definitions.

The initial section focuses on survey routines, from the testbed to the onboard situation, which is crucial for the operator, detailing the survey process from beginning to end. The subsequent section delves into specific topics and how to manage the most common tasks onboard, such as the spare or reconditioning parts addressed by the regulation. For general emission inquiries or emission control of MAN B&W two-stroke engines, references are made to existing materials published by MAN B&W Diesel.

Many of the initial Technical Files created by engine builders differed due to the varying requirements imposed by different classification societies. This variation occurred because the IMO Annex VI does not provide sufficiently detailed guidance on how to compile the Technical File in practice. MAN B&W Diesel has taken on the responsibility of coordinating efforts to prepare a standardized Technical File, intended for use by both licensees and classification societies. This responsibility also encompasses the necessary procedures for shipowners when subsequent engine adjustments or component changes take place.