The Circular No.2 of 2019 is applicable to all vessels calling at Indian ports and is to be used in conjunction with IMO Resolution MEPC.259 (68). In line with this, Adani ports send out a circular, banning open loop scrubber systems, but this was revoked after pressure from the trade, the Standard P&I Club informed.

With information by correspondent in India, James Mackintosh, the Standard P&I Club provides a summary of the current position on wash water and open loop scrubber systems for vessels arriving in the East coast of India and the West Coast of India:

East coast

  • Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Gangavaram, Krishnapatnam, Kattupalli, Ennore, Chennai, Karaikal – There are no port specific (additonal) local restrictions. Vessels need to comply with International Regulations, DG Shipping Circular No.2 of 2019, which is to be read in conjunction with IMO Resolution MEPC.259 (68).
  • Dhamra - Dhamra Port is located next to ecologically sensitive areas (Marine Reserve & Bhitarkanika Crocodile National Park). In view of this, usage of open loop scrubbers and wash water discharge is not permitted at Dhamra port.
  • Vizag – It is understood from the Harbour Master of Vizag that the clearance from Andhra Pradesh Pollution control board are still awaited and hence use of open loop scrubbers at Vizag port waters is not currently permitted.
  • Tuticorin – As per the local Port Authority, if open loop scrubbers are used, the scrubber unit must be stopped before arriving at the Tuticorin Port limit. Open loop scrubber operations are not allowed within Tuticorin port limit / anchorage, or in port during a vessel’s stay including any period of cargo operations.

West coast

  • Kandla - Open loop scrubbers are not allowed in Kandla at present. Vessels should either use low sulphur fuel or hybrid scrubbers in closed mode.
  • Bedi, Sikka, Salaya – Sulphur content in fuel should be less than 0.5%. Vessels should either use low sulphur fuel, or hybrid scrubbers in closed mode.
  • Vadinar - Release of wash water from open loop scrubbers is prohibited at Nayara facilities. All vessels calling at Nayara facilities are advised to change over to compliant fuel before entering the port limit / anchorage area.
  • Mundra, JNPT, Mumbai, New Mangalore - There are no port specific (additional) restrictions. Vessels will need to comply with the International Regulations, DG Shipping Circular No.2 of 2019, which is to be used in conjunction with IMO Resolution MEPC.259 (68).
  • Cochin, Magdalla, Hazira, Dahej – Vessels have been asked to follow International Regulations, DG Shipping Engineering Circular No.2 of 2019 and the above MEPC circular.

In view of the above vessel owners should expect port state control authorities in India to closely monitor and check ships, for usage of compliant fuel (with low sulphur) or use of correct scrubbers onboard,

...the Club advised.