The US Coast Guard’s Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance announced the QUALSHIP 21 E-Zero Program, which is going to officially commence on July 1st, 2017.
E-Zero indicates a vessel has zero environmental deficiencies or violations and is a new addition to the existing QUALSHIP 21 program, which has been in place for over 15 years worldwide. The E-Zero designation will be awarded to QUALSHIP 21 ships, that have consistently adhered to environmental compliance, while also demonstrating an immense commitment to environmental stewardship, above and beyond the QUALSHIP 21 criteria.
The QUALSHIP 21 program, as a whole, remains voluntary and is aimed at recognizing foreign ships that have demonstrated the highest commitment to maintaining strict compliance with U.S. and international safety, security and environmental regulations.
All existing QUALSHIP 21 ships due for renewal between July 1 and December 1, 2017 will be automatically screened for eligibility. For all other QUALSHIP 21 ships that presently meet the E-Zero criteria, USCG welcomes shipping companies to submit applications, in order to have the E-Zero designation added to current certificates for reissuance.
Source: USCG news
