Notice to Agents, Berths and Ship Operators

Berth operators and ships’ agents are advised that the Revised Annex 2 of MARPOL 73/78 comes in to force on 1st January 2007.

Changes to Annex 2 and chapters 17 and 18 of the IBC Code, which may affect terminals handling vessels carrying Noxious Liquid Substances or slops following discharge of Noxious Liquid Substances, are summarised below.

IBC Code Chapter 17:- Pollution categories have been reduced from 5 levels - A, B, C, D and III to 4 levels - X, Y, Z and OS (other substances). Noxious Liquid Substances, of category  X, Y and Z which include vegetable oils, fish oils and animal fats, require residues and mixtures (slops) containing such residues of a Noxious Liquid Substance to be discharged ashore in the port of discharge or another port instead of at sea, except under the most stringent of conditions in the case of categories Y and Z.

Revised Annex 2:- requires Governments which are party to the MARPOL Convention, to ensure that terminals involved in ships’ cargo handling, have adequate facilities for the reception of residues and mixtures, containing such residues of Noxious Liquid Substances resulting from compliance with the Annex, without undue delay for the ships involved.

Where applicable, berth operators should consider amending their approved waste management plan to include the provision of suitable reception facilities for the disposal of residues and mixtures containing Noxious Liquid Substances. Any questions regarding the implementation of the above requirements should be directed to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.