Tag: regulatory update

Under SOLAS Chapter IV, some vessels are required to have 'Ship Radio Stations', which are to be licensed and the vessels must carry certain related documents and publications. The Republic of Marshall Islands updated the requirements of documentation regarding Ship Radio Stations for its vessels. 

A recent change in the procedure for handling loss of anchor incidents in Singapore means that MPA Singapore now involves itself directly with the local contractors in such cases. This has also led to a change in the procedure for obtaining permission for the vessel to leave Singapore waters following such an incident.

Only months after the introduction of animal welfare standards onboard, the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources confirmed that, as of 1 November, stocking density reductions for sheep would be relaxed by 37.5% from the restrictions put in place in July this year. 

IMO's MEPC 73 will take place on 22-26 October 2018, at IMO Headquarters in London, focusing on key environmental challenges facing the shipping industry. Among the key topics on the agenda are the hot issues of the GHG reduction from ships and 2020 sulphur cap. 

The Transport Committee of the European Parliament adopted the Meissner report on the Port Reception Facilities and gave a mandate to the Rapporteur to start negotiations with the Council to finalise the text of the new law. ESPO welcomed particularly the proposal to strengthen the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

The Standard P&I Club issued a guide analyzing how the law in a particular offshore jurisdiction may impact the enforceability of key contractual provisions, to help operators who are exploring new opportunities in diverse territories. The guide provides a snapshot view for the selected countries.

As part of its efforts to improve the way its treaties and conventions are implemented at a national level, the IMO offered an intensive 5-day workshop for lawyers and legislative drafters at IMO Headquarters, on 1-5 October, to provide them with the tools they need to understand the treaties.

Ahead of Brexit and the uncertainties that come with it, especially regarding the content of a possible withdrawal agreement, Ireland reminded operators of maritime transport services are reminded of the legal repercussions, which need to be considered when the UK leaves the EU.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has further delayed the release of its new Vessel General Permit (VGP 3.0), which was originally scheduled to be issued for comment in late 2017, but is now expected to be made available in March 2019 - with at least a 30-day comment period.

In INTERCARGO's Annual General Meeting on 1-2 October, the Association's Chairman, John Platsidakis, underlined the challenge with respect to international regulators' lack of understanding of how dry bulk ships operate worldwide on tramp trades.