Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the several delays that has brought, IMO issued a guidance concerning the newbuild bulk carriers and oil tankers that were scheduled for delivery before 1st July 2020. Specifically, the guidance is particularly relevant to shipbuilders, equipment suppliers, shipowners, surveyors and service engineers.
In fact, vessels that were first scheduled to be delivered before 1 July 2020 may be delayed, meaning that some of these vessels were not designed and constructed in line with the SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 (Goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers) requirements, which will enter into force by 1 July 2020.
The IMO guidelines pay attention to oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 m in length and above, which were to be delivered before 1 July 2020 but after the COVID-19 impacts, are being delayed and delivered on or after 1 July 2020.
Through the guidance, the IMO urges the flag administration to focus on applications on a case-by-case basis, while keep in mind the particular circumstances.
To accomplish this, a forma report from the authorities of the country in which the ship was built should state that the delay was due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the builder and the owner.
Concluding, according to the guidance, the certificates should be footnoted to indicate that the ship is accepted by the flag administration.
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