Tag: regulatory update

On 2 December, the European Council accepted the proposal of easing the completion of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), by running up the permit-granting processes. The agreed proposal further goals to clarify the procedures which project promoters need to follow, such as permit granting and public procurement.

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has updated its Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP) 2019, which was firstly published on 4 September 2015. The Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP) Code details the regulatory framework for health and safety on board, safety management and statutory duties underlying the advice in the Code and the areas that should be covered when introducing a recruit to the safety procedures on board.

FEPORT has warned regulators about a serious threat on fair level playing field within the maritime logistics chain, noting that the regulators’ decision to opt for the status quo and to reject necessary clarifications of texts can be detrimental to the level playing field within the maritime logistics chains.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced that the Pre-Arrival Notification (PAN) has been revised to incorporate the requirements for reporting on the use of compliant fuels in accordance with the fast approaching IMO 2020 sulphur cap. 

The Republic of Marshall Islands issued a Notice informing about the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG Code), concerning their decision on allowing 200 bar oxygen cylinders to be replaced with those of an equivalent capacity.

As part of its major tax reforms for middle-and low-income groups, the Chinese government pledged to reduce income taxes for oceangoing Chinese seafarers, to make seafaring jobs more attractive and boost domestic shipping sector. 

The US Coast Guard issued a new circular providing guidance to the maritime industry and Coast Guard personnel on how vessel owners and operators may comply with amendments to SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 3 and 20 regarding life-saving appliances, that will enter into force from 1st January 2020.

MPA Singapore issued a circular providing information on the implementation of the requirements on life saving appliances for Singapore registered ships (SRS) as adopted by MSC 96, which will take effect from 1st January 2020 as part of the associated SOLAS amendments.

The European Commission issued a statement proposing to extend the regulation of excluding liner shipping consortia from the EU antitrust rules for additional 4 years, adding that the current measure is still adequate.

The TEN-T guidelines review should not lead to a complete change of direction in the TEN-T policy, said the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) in a new announcement as the European Commission is currently at the process of reviewing the 2013 TEN-T guidelines with a public consultation.