John Gallagher. 04 February 2015.  US-flag shipowners must soon meet stricter MARPOL rules as the United States falls into line with international oil pollution conventions.

Published in the US Federal Register on 4 February, three new provisions that become effective on 5 May will tighten record-keeping for bunkering and raise standards in oil separation equipment and operating plans for tankers conducting ship-to-ship (STS) oil cargo transfers.

The new record-keeping requirements, which apply to 1,672 US-flag inspected ships bunkering fuel or lubricating oil, will cut the risk of oil spills by enhancing information on processes and equipment, said the US Coast Guard (USCG).

The USCG expects this provision to cost each ship about $443.

The agency said a new requirement that oil sludge disposal systems be segregated from ships' bilge systems - applying to 1,044 US-flag ships and costing each $5,400-$7,550 - would prevent indirect discharges of oil through bilge water.

New stipulations on STS oil cargo transfer operating plans will affect 512 US-flag tankers and tank ships, at a cost of $7,500 per vessel, estimates the USCG.

This provision will reduce the risk of spills by ensuring tankers give the relevant MARPOL 73/78 party 48 hours' notice of STS operations, added the agency.

 

Source: www.ihsmaritime360.com