Tag: IOPP

The IMO Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention entered into force in 2017, but at that time it applied only to new ships. Now, as the North P&I Club informs, a new milestone is upon us, as from 8 September 2019, the Convention applies to existing vessels. 

On 1 March 2018, the amendments to update Form B of the Supplement to the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, in relation to segregated ballast tanks, entered into force. On 1 March 2018, the Ship fuel oil consumption data reporting requirements and the Garbage requirements under MARPOL Annex V also became effective.

BWMC is effective since Sep 2017, but, there are still grey areas which need clarification, such as the important issue of IOPP Certificate recoupling. Mr Jad Mouawad, BWM expert and owner at Mouawad Consulting, provides insight into the ‘debate’ about the role of class societies on IOPP recoulping & decoupling.

ClassNK has issued latest technical information referring to periodical survey in advance of survey window, explaining that with entry into force of  the BWM Convention, IOPP and/or BWM Certificate may be de-harmonized from Harmonized System of Survey and Certification.

On the occasion of the BWM Convention entering into force today, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim noted that this landmark step means that shipping community is now addressing what has been recognized as one of the greatest threats to the ecological and the economic well-being of the planet. 

The shipping industry is only three days apart from the Ballast Water Management Convention entering into force on 8 September. That being said, some Administrations have issued circulars to inform their position on recoupling the IOPP Certificate Renewal Survey.

With the ratification of the Ballast Water Management Convention, shipowners are pressed to decide which treatment systems to choose. For manufacturers keen to be selected, attaining type approval by the U.S. Coast Guard can be a deciding factor. DNV GL provides comprehensive review on the issue.

The IMO’s MEPC have agreed amendments to Regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention to implement a new schedule for the D-2 requirements. The amendments delay the mandatory BWTS installation schedule for two years after entry into force, giving vessels 2 to 7 years before needing to fit a treatment system, depending on their IOPP renewal survey dates.

The IMO’s MEPC have agreed amendments to Regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention to implement a new schedule for the D-2 requirements. The amendments delay the mandatory BWTS installation schedule for two years after entry into force, giving vessels 2 to 7 years before needing to fit a treatment system, depending on their IOPP renewal survey dates.

MEPC 71 considers for ships constructed on or after September 8, 2017 to comply with the D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2017. However, for the existing ships, MEPC 71 is about to approve a two-year delay, according to an Interim Brief provided by ABS.