China to Conduct Year-Long Ship Pollution Control in Hainan

China has launched a year-long inspection campaign on Ship Pollution Control in the Hainan Province as part of its efforts to reduce air and water pollution associated with shipping, marine insurer Gard said.

The Chinese Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) said it would conduct an inspection campaign at ports of Yangpu, Haikou, Sanya and Basuo as well as the Qiongzhou strait between November 3, 2017 and December 3, 2018. The inspections are to focus on compliance with MARPOL Annex VI on air emissions as well as the ballast water management (BWM) convention, Gard’s correspondent Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service informed.

To demonstrate compliance with MARPOL Annex VI, bunker delivery notes and engine room logbook records must be up to date and readily available for inspection by the attending port state control officer (PSCO). The sampling inspection will be carried out for the fuel sample taken from calling ship or the oil supplying company randomly.

There are currently no designated emission control areas (ECAs) in the Hainan Province, that is the sulphur content of any fuel oil used on board ships shall not exceed the global 3.50% limit applicable until January 1, 2020. However, ships using separate fuel oils to comply with ECA regulations in other parts of the world should always be prepared to demonstrate how the fuel oil change-over is done and recorded.

To demonstrate compliance with the BWM Convention, the BWM Certificate, BWM Plan and BW Record Book must be up to date and readily available for inspection by the attending PSCO. Inspections are likely to focus on ships’ equipment and procedures for disposal and discharge of ballast as well as the crews’ familiarity with the same.

Owners are suggested to pay attention to the above requirement when calling the coastal ports of Hainan province as well as when passing through the Qiongzhou strait to ensure satisfaction of relevant requirement in order to avoid any delay or penalty to the ship.

They are also recommended to double check with local agent on special requirement before ship’s calling during the one-year period.