Hong Kong implements amendments to MARPOL Annex I, effective January 1, 2024

The Marine Department of the Government of Hong Kong has issued a notice regarding the implementation of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulation 2023.

The "Amendment Regulation" known as the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulation 2023 will become effective on January 1, 2024.

It is intended to enact the changes to Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL Annex I), in line with resolution MEPC.343(78) adopted by the International Maritime Organization.

You can find detailed information about the Amendment Regulation at this link: https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20232726/es220232726106.pdf.

Under the Amendment Regulation, certain hinged watertight doors are exempted from the requirement of being positioned above the final waterline after flooding, as specified in the damage stability criteria.

This applies to local vessels that are oil tankers with a gross tonnage of 150 and above, which were delivered after December 31, 1979.

Shipowners, operators, and coxswains of local vessels are obligated to adhere to and comply with the provisions of the Amendment Regulation.

This document was issued on October 18, 2023.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

Implementation of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulation 2023

MEPC.343(78): Amendments to the Annex of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973, as Modified by the Protocol of 1978 Relating Thereto