Hong Kong plans to amend eight regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance, the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance, and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance.
It intends to incorporate the latest requirements under three conventions of the United Nations’ IMO:
– the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code);
– the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships;
– the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti- Fouling Systems on Ships.
The proposed amendments to the regulations include the prohibition on the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic waters, the exemptions of unmanned non-self-propelled barges from survey and certification requirements, the controls on cybutryne for use as a biocide in the anti-fouling systems of ships, the new requirements of certain greenhouse gas emission reduction measures and regular revision of the IMDG Code.
The eight regulations up for amendment are:
– the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Protection) (Ships Built Before 25 May 1980) Regulations;
– the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Appliances) (Ships Built On or After 25 May 1980 but Before 1 September 1984) Regulations;
– the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Protection) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations;
– the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations;
– the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage) Regulation;
– the Merchant Shipping (Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships) Regulation;
– the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) Regulation;
– the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation.
The Transport and Housing Bureau said that the Government of Hong Kong has been sparing no effort in implementing the latest requirements from the International Maritime Organisation through local legislation. The proposed amendments will contribute to environmental protection and the sustainable development of the maritime industry.