Maritime News

Several resolutions and circulars related to amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention were issued by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee at its 80th Session (MEPC 80) held from 3 July to 7 July 2023 and its 81st Session (MEPC 81) held from 18 March to 22 March 2024.

The 2022 Amendments to the MLC, 2006 will enter into force on 23 December 2024 in the countries that have ratified the MLC, 2006.

According to these amendments, shipowners should pay particular attention to the following provisions as they relate to the relevant items.

This marine notice informs ship operators and recognised organisations of AMSA’s interpretation for the installation and testing of oil filtering equipment (oily water separators)
installed on ships.

The International Maritime Organisation has issued new guidance relating to the Ballast Water Management Convention, as follows:

MEPC.387(81)
This resolution offers interim guidance on the application of the BWM Convention to ships operating in challenging water quality conditions.

BWM.2/Circ.82
This circular provides guidance for the temporary storage of treated sewage and/or grey water in ballast water tanks.

Periodical survey requirements for Special, Intermediate and Annual Surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers are being updated by Lloyd’s Register. This is to align with the latest revision of the IMO ESP Code (as amended by IMO Res. MSC.525(106)) and IACS Unified Requirements (UR Z10.1, UR Z10.2, UR Z10.4 and UR Z10.5). The new survey requirements will become applicable at the Special or Intermediate Surveys, commenced on or after 1 July 2024 (based on the first day of attendance).

Surveys commenced before 1 July 2024 will continue to be carried out in accordance with survey requirements applicable before this date, regardless of the survey completion date.