After two weeks of intensive and tense negotiations, the outcome of COP26 can probably be best summed up by the words of its President, Mr Alok Sharma; “Today, we can say with credibility that we have kept 1,5 degrees within reach - but, its pulse is weak”; below is an overview of the wider measures and initiatives to emerge from COP26, as well as a more detailed summary of the shipping-related elements.
In December 2020, the Club provided the below update on the California ballast water discharge regulations reporting that the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) had issued a notice of Approval of Amendment to Articles of the California Code of Regulations, these amendments will become effective on 1 January 2022.
On March 24 1989, the VLCC Exxon Valdez was carrying about 200,000 tons of crude oil, and ran aground on Bligh Reef in the Prince William Sound of Alaska.
The regulations in Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) address air pollution from ships and include energy efficiency and fuel quality requirements designed to reduce harmful emissions from shipping.
The new Environment Examination Regulation number 31509 dated 12 June 2021 was published and contained inspection information, and does not contain any increase on fine amount, thus the Pollution tariff 2021 is still valid.
Please find below information received from UK Club correspondent in Turkey, Vitsan; the circular outlines the recent announcement that wash water discharge of open-loop scrubbers is prohibited in Turkish waters.
The UK P&I Club have received the following update from Oasis P&I Services, on the implementation of a ban on the transportation of highly toxic chemicals in the Yangtze River basin in China.
The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage was adopted in March 2001.The Japanese Government deposited its instrument of accession for the Convention on 1st July 2020 and the condition for entry into force of the Convention will be met on 1st October 2020.
A new law was signed in California on 24th September 2020 for Members trading in California waters, which will bring the following increases in criminal penalties for oil spill related offences from 1st January 2021.
The Club’s correspondents for Ghana has highlighted the recent increase in MARPOL fines levied against vessels calling in Ghana's ports (Takoradi and Tema), particularly with relation to the discharge of sewage.
The California Air Resources Board approved a new regulation designed to further reduce pollution from ocean-going vessels while docked at California’s busiest ports.
A new revision to the PRC Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Wastes (new Revision) becomes effective on 1st September 2020
