The UK Club has received the attached circular from our local correspondents, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd, regarding the prohibition of discharging waste water generated by open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems (Scrubbers) within Emission Control Areas in China.

It follows recent updates on new regulation issued by the Chinese Ministry of Transport regarding requirements of emission control areas (ECAs) in Chinese territorial waters.

In summary, the attached notice states that:

1. Discharge and treatment of water pollutants produced by exhaust gas cleaning systems shall meet the requirements of relevant regulations.
    
2. It is forbidden to discharge washing water from open-loop exhaust gas cleaning devices in the Inland River Emission Control Area, port waters within the Coastal Emission Control Area and Bohai-rim Sea Area. The prohibition of open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems in other coastal control areas will be promulgated and implemented in due time.
    
3. It is forbidden to discharge the washing water residue from the exhaust gas cleaning devices into water or to incinerate it on board. The ship shall record the storage and treatment of the washing water residue from the exhaust gas cleaning systems truthfully.

Members can read the full circular. (Attached)

For more information, please get in touch with your usual club contact.