MEPC to clarify D-2 BWMC biological standard

Jul 07 2017

This week’s IMO MEPC meeting has tentatively accepted an amended implementation scheme for ships to comply with the D-2 biological standard under the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC).

According to a note circulated by class society, ABS, the scheme needs approval by the committee at today’s (7^th July) session, which will finish after ‘Tanker Operator News’ is issued.

If approved, it will be circulated to IMO member states for adoption at MEPC 72 scheduled for 9^th- 13^th April, 2018.

Under the current proposal, ships built on or after 8^th September, 2017 are to comply with the D-2 standard on or after that date. Ships built before this date are to comply with the standard at the first MARPOL IOPP renewal survey completed on or after - 8^th September, 2019.

8^th September 2017, only if a MARPOL IOPP renewal survey is completed on or after 8^th September, 2014 but prior to 8^th September, 2017.

If the survey is not completed, then D-2 standard compliance is required at the second certificate renewal survey after 8^th September, 2017 only if the first renewal survey after this date is completed prior to 8^th September, 2019 and a survey was not completed on or after 8^th September, 2014, but prior to 8^th September, 2017.

For ships built before 8^th September, 2017 and which are not subject to the MARPOL IOPP renewal survey, D-2 compliance is required no later than 8^th September, 2024.

‘Tanker Operator’ will publish a round up of MEPC 71 next week.