China – Emission Control Area - Ban on discharging waste from EGCS

Members will already be aware of Regulations concerning the Emission Control Areas requiring the use of low Sulphur fuel as outlined in previous News Alerts (click here).

One of the Club’s China correspondents, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd, reports that the China Maritime Safety Authority published a Notice on 29 December 2018 giving guidance on the implementation of new Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations applicable from 1 January 2019.

Members whose ships are fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), also known as “scrubbers”, proceeding to ports in China are required to:-

1. Ensure that discharge and treatment of water pollutants as carried out as per the relevant regulations
2. Ensure that discharge of washing water from EGCS is not discharged in ECAs. This includes discharging into water and/or incinerating washing water residue on board;
3. Keep accurate records of the storage and treatment of washing water residue.

Further details can be found in the correspondent’s circular, which can be accessed by clicking here.

Members should ensure compliance prior to entering ECAs in order to avoid penalties and any other associated problems.