New Regulations and Amendments to IMO Instruments entering into force on 1 July 2024
On July 1, 2024, several new regulations and amendments to existing IMO instruments will come into force, marking important steps towards improving maritime operations worldwide.
This newsletter will provide an overview of the upcoming regulations and changes, their impact on the maritime industry, and the steps required for compliance.
New SOLAS Chapter XV and the IP Code – MSC.521(106) and MSC.527(106)
New SOLAS Chapter XV and the new International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) aim to establish minimum safety standards for ships transporting industrial personnel. This includes those involved in offshore and energy sector activities such as wind farms, offshore oil and gas installations, aquaculture, and ocean mining.
Cargo ships and high-speed cargo craft, of 500 GT and upwards, constructed on or after 1 July 2024 which carry more than 12 industrial personnel will be required to comply with the IP Code and must have a valid Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate on board. Cargo ships and high-speed crafts constructed before 1 July 2024, authorized by the Administration to carry more than 12 industrial personnel in accordance with the Interim recommendations (res. MSC.418(97)), shall comply with safe transfer, fire safety and life saving appliances and requirements by the first intermediate/third periodical or renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 July 2024.
Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code – MSC.525(106)
Amendments to the 2011 International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (ESP Code) align the inspection requirements for void spaces bounding cargo holds with those for water ballast tanks.
For bulk carriers that have undergone major conversions or were originally designed as bulk carriers and then converted, the amendments stipulate annual examinations for tanks and other spaces if the tank structure has been subject to major conversion and the protective coating is deemed "less than GOOD" condition.
Owners and operators of single-side and double-side skin bulk carriers or oil tankers are advised to review these amendments and ensure compliance.
MARPOL Annex I Amendments: HFO Ban in Arctic Waters – MEPC.329(76)
Regulation 43A in Chapter 9 of MARPOL Annex I enforces a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in Arctic waters. This regulation targets oils with a density at 15°C exceeding 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C above 180 mm2/s. While the carriage of HFO as cargo remains permitted, its use and carriage for fuel are prohibited.
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The ban applies to all ships, with exceptions for those engaged in securing the safety of ships or in search and rescue operations, and ships dedicated to oil spill preparedness and response.
For ships where MARPOL Annex I, 12A or regulation 1.2.1 of chapter 1 of part II-A of the Polar Code applies, use of HFO as fuel shall be prohibited in Arctic waters on or after 1 July 2029.
Ships flying the flag of Arctic-bordering countries may be temporarily granted waivers until 1 July 2029. It should be noted that no waivers shall be issued on or after 1 July 2029.
Related parties (e.g. shipowners, designers, shipyards) should refer to the specific amendments and ensure their vessels or designs are in compliance with new amendments.
For further details or guidance on these regulatory changes, see https://turkloydu.org/en-us/publications/imo-rules-and-regulations/imo-rule-changes.aspx
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