The UK P&I Club have received the following circular from local correspondents Huatai, alerting Members to the amended Discharge Standard for Water Pollutants from Ships (the "Standard") which became effective from 1 July 2018.

The Standard stipulates the control requirements and the testing requirements for discharging oily wastewater and sewage, the control requirements of discharging waste water containing noxious liquid substances and garbage from ships, and the implementation and supervision of this Standard.

Here are some of the key points of the amended Discharge Standard for Water Pollutants from Ships:

• The standard has tightened the control requirements for the discharge of oily wastewater. For example, the maximum allowable concentration of oil in oily wastewater has been reduced from 15 ppm to 10 ppm.
• The standard has also introduced new control requirements for grey water discharge from ships. For example, ships are now prohibited from discharging sewage within 1 nautical mile of the nearest land.
• The standard has also strengthened the control requirements for the discharge of waste water containing noxious liquid substances. For example, ships are now required to have a segregated ballast water system in place.
• The standard has also introduced new control requirements for the discharge of garbage from ships. For example, ships are now required to separate their garbage into different categories and to dispose of it properly.

QUOTE

"In order to better protect marine environment, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine have jointly issued amended Discharge Standard for Water Pollutants from Ships (GB 3552-2018) (hereinafter "Standard"), which has become effective from 01.07.2018.

"Owners are recommended to take appropriate measures when discharging water pollutants from ships in China or other sea areas under Chinese jurisdiction from 01.07.2018 to ensure satisfaction of relevant requirements and to avoid any delay or penalty to the ship."

UNQUOTE

Members can get in touch with their usual UK P&I Club contact for more information.