IMO Opens Door to Bunker Tanker BWM Exemptions with SRA Approval: IBIA

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday November 4, 2016

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) says some bunker tanker owners may benefit as a result of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) approval last week at the 70th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) of an amendment to Ballast Water Management (BWM) rules that enable the establishment of same risk areas (SRAs) for the purpose of exemptions.

IBIA has previously suggested that exemptions through the establishment of SRAs may work in favour of bunker tankers that operate in more than one country and within a limited geographical range.

"As far as IBIA knows, no SRAs have as yet been formally agreed, but Denmark and Sweden are working on it, and Singapore has been undertaking studies on potential SRAs with neighbouring countries," explained IBIA.

"The SRA concept would allow coastal States to grant exemptions to a group of ships operating within the SRA rather than on a ship-by-ship basis, thereby easing the administrative burden for both shipping companies and Administrations."

In relation to BWM rules, MEPC 70 is also noted to have discussed a proposal for alternative draft amendments intended to enable compliance through the second renewal survey in certain circumstances - a proposal which is set to be further debated at MEPC 71 in May.

MEPC 70 is also said to have adopted revised guidelines for approval of BWM systems, recommending application of the revised guidelines (G8) as soon as possible, and agreeing that BWM systems installed on ships on or after October 28, 2020 should be approved in accordance with such revised guidelines.

Last year, Ship & Bunker reported that some analysts said that tanker rates could get a further boost as tonnage is taken out of service for special surveys or dry docking ahead of the BWM Convention's implementation.