Updates for regulations on merchant shipping safety, prevention of pollution and local vessels proposed

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     The Government proposes 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 to incorporate into local legislation the latest requirements under three conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), namely the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships.

     The eight regulations to be amended 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, and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation.

     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.

     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (June 30), "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been sparing no effort in implementing the latest IMO requirements through local legislation. The proposed amendments will contribute to environmental protection and the sustainable development of the maritime industry."

     The Panel on Economic Development of the Legislative Council, as well as the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee, the Local Vessels Advisory Committee and the High Speed Craft Consultative Committee of the Marine Department, have been consulted on the legislative proposal. Members supported the proposal.

     The legislative proposal was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on July 6.

Ends/Thursday, June 30, 2022
Issued at HKT 12:00

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