The Government proposes to amend the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulation to implement the latest requirements of the International Maritime Organization in relation to the carriage of dangerous goods and marine pollutants.

     The proposed amendment seeks to incorporate the relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships into local legislation.

     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau today (December 7) said, "Major amendments involve the classification of dangerous substances, identification of harmful substances, carriage of lithium batteries and the use of proper shipping names for dangerous goods in shipment."

     The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Shipping Consultative Committee of the Marine Department have been consulted.

     The proposed legislative amendment was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on December 12 for negative vetting.

Ends/Friday, December 7, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00

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