The current draft of the "Ballast Water Management – How to do it" manual is on the table at the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), 3rd session (15-19 February), as the BWM Convention edges closer to entry into force.
The Sub-Committee is expected to finalize draft MARPOL Annex VI amendments to the bunker delivery note relating to the supply of marine fuel oil to ships which have fitted alternative mechanisms to address sulphur emissions requirements.
The Sub-Committee will discuss a protocol for voluntary black carbon measurement studies; the proposed Code for the transport and handling of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk in offshore support vessels; and the development of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex II to strengthen the discharge requirements for high-viscosity and persistent floating substances (such as high-viscosity PIB (Polyisobutylene)). Draft guides for oil pollution-contingency planning and oil spill response in snow and ice conditions are expected to be finalized.
The meeting was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and is being chaired by Mr Sveinung Oftedal (Norway).
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