The 9th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) discussed a draft MEPC circular on recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers, as requested by the Sub-Committee on Prevention of Pollution and Response (PPR).
The Sub-Committee agreed with the recommendation in the draft recommendations that plastic pellets should be packed in good quality packaging which should be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loads normally encountered during transport.
Packaging should be constructed and closed so as to prevent any loss of contents which may be caused under normal conditions of transport, by vibration or acceleration forces.
The Sub-Committee noted discussions on various submissions and invited the PPR Sub-Committee to note that the views expressed could be taken into account in further developments to reduce the environmental risk associated with maritime transport of plastic pellets.
The draft recommendations are expected to be finalized by PPR 11 in February 2024, for submission to MEPC 81 (spring 2024) for approval.