Canadian Ship Owners seek solution to impending VGP regulation
From December 19, 2013 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements its new Vessel General Permit (VGP), which according to a recent press release by theCanadian Shipowners Association demands a technical solution that is currently unavailable to the marine industry.
According to Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA), there is little flexibility in the VGP to accommodate this delay, and this leaves ship owners with an impossible requirement. This situation could lead to significant impacts for Canadian ship owners if left unresolved. Given the dependence of American and Canadian industry on the marine transportation sector, finding a short-term solution to facilitate commerce is imperative.
The CSA has been working on multiple fronts to find relief from this situation of inflexibility. “While the regulation of ballast water discharges is a global challenge, we need an immediate and flexible solution that recognizes the unique situation for vessels that trade on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, President of the Canadian Shipowners Association.
Protection of the marine environment is a priority for CSA member companies who are investing in new ships, modernizing existing ships, and employing the highest environmental practices in the industry. CSA members are participating in Green Marine, the Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative, and efforts to evaluate promising technology at the Great Ships Initiative. Since 2006 and the implementation of a bi-national (Canada – U.S.) requirement for mid-ocean ballast water exchange, no new organisms have been detected in the Great Lakes from beyond Canadian territorial waters.
The CSA membership operates Canadian-flagged and uniquely designedships on Canadian coastal, Arctic and inland waters, with highly skilled Canadian crew that is part of a $36B continental marine transportationsystem. Recent investments of over $700 million in 14 new vessels, have positioned the industry for growth. Marine transportation is the
most sustainable form of transportation.
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The Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA) had recently released a report which concluded that American regulations requiring the installation of ballast water treatment equipment on Canadian domestic vessels will cost the Canadian economy 1.1 billion dollars over the next five years. To learn more please read the following Safety4Sea article New ballast regulations will cost 1.1 billion dollars to Canada |
Learn more about 2013 VGP in these articles
Key Resources for the New VGPUS 2013 VGP: 19th December 2013 Deadline |
