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Norwegian Maritime Directorate

Sjøfartsdirektoratet

P.O Box 2222,

N-5509 Haugesund,

Norway

Tel: + 47 52 74 50 00

Fax: + 47 52 74 50 01

E-Mail :

The following information is published in the

" Norway has ratified the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001. The Bunkers Convention enters into force on 21 November 2008 and applications will be considered from this day's date.

The Bunkers Convention introduces a requirement for an insurance covering pollution damage caused by spills of bunker oil. The requirement applies to all Norwegian ships over 1,000 gross tonnage (GT) as well as to all foreign ships over 1,000 GT entering Norwegian ports or other loading or discharging locations in Norway or on the Norwegian continental shelf. The requirement also applies to ships operating permanently in Norwegian territorial waters.

In accordance with the new order, applications for insurance certificates must be submitted to the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. Shipowners with ships that need certificates are recommended to apply as soon as possible so that said ships are provided with the required certificates from 21 November 2008. Foreign ships calling upon Norwegian ports must apply as soon as possible and not later than one month before arrival. Norwegian ships covered by the insurance requirements are not permitted to sail without a certificate on board after 21 November 2008.

The application can be made electronically. At the present time, there are no standardized forms, but the application must include the following information:

1. Name of Ship,

2. Distinctive Number or letters (Call sign),

3. IMO Ship Identification Number and

4. Name and full address of the principal place of business of the registered owner.

5. A declaration from the insurance company (Blue Card) confirming that the ship is covered by insurance in case of pollution damage by spills of bunker oil must be attached to the application.

An original insurance declaration (Blue Card) should be sent to the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. Though, in certain cases an electronic copy of the declaration from the insurance company may be accepted. This is the case if the insurance is issued by a P&I Club which is in the International Group of P&I Clubs, and the validity of the insurance can be verified on the P&I Club's web page.

The Norwegian Maritime Directorate will prioritize Norwegian ships, but applications from foreign ships will also be considered.

A cost-related fee must be paid for the issuance of a certificate. The certificate is issued for the same period as the insurance is valid. The original certificate must be carried on board the ship.

Please forward applications and blue cards to

Norwegian Maritime Directorate

Sjøfartsdirektoratet

P.O Box 2222,

N-5509 Haugesund,

Norway

Tel: + 47 52 74 50 00

Fax: + 47 52 74 50 01

E-Mail :

Website:

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