The State of New York, USA, has issued stringent requirements regarding ballast water discharge technology under the Vessel General Permit (VGP) system that are due to come into force in January 2012.

It is possible to request a compliance extension but the request must be submitted no later than 30 June 2010. The American Chamber of Shipping has developed a template letter to be used when requesting an extension. This can be found by clicking

here

.

The letter should be copied into a standard company format and completed with individual company and ship information. If the letter is sent by email, the original should be signed and scanned before being sent as all letters must contain an original signature. All email applications should be sent to the following address:

fgzagors@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Source of information:

ECM Maritime Services & Gallagher Marine Systems LLC,

http://www.ecmmaritime.comhttp://www.gallaghermarine.com/