MARPOL - Disposal of Solid Bulk Cargo Residues

In October 2012 Members were advised about the Amendments to Annex V of MARPOL that were due to enter into force on 1 January 2013. The revised MARPOL Annex V places strict controls on the disposal of residues of solid bulk cargoes declared as Harmful to the Marine Environment (HME).  However, many ship operators have experienced difficulties disposing of HME cargo residues due to a lack of adequate port reception facilities.

IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has therefore agreed that, until 31 December 2015, washwater from cargo holds containing the residues of solid bulk cargoes declared as HME may be discharged outside special areas, subject to the following provisions:

1. Based upon the information received from the relevant port authorities, the master determines that there are no adequate reception facilities either at the receiving terminal or at the next port of call;
2. The ship is en route and as far as practicable from the nearest land, but not less than 12 nautical miles;
3. Before washing, solid bulk cargo residue is removed (and bagged for discharge ashore) as far as practicable and holds are swept;
4. Filters are used in the bilge wells to collect any remaining solid particles and minimise solid residue discharge; and
5. The discharge is recorded in the Garbage Record Book and the flag State is notified utilising the Revised Consolidated Format for Reporting Alleged Inadequacies of Port Reception Facilities (MEPC.1 / Circ.469 / Rev.2).

Further information regarding these temporary measures can be found in MEPC.1 / Circ.810 – Implementation of MARPOL Annex V.

Members requiring additional guidance are advised to contact the Loss Prevention department.