New regulation in relation to ships' ballast water proposed
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The new Merchant Shipping (Control of Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulation seeks to implement the latest requirements of the Convention to regulate the discharge of ballast water of ships by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships' ballast water and sediments.
A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (May 18), "Major requirements of the Convention include requiring ships to conduct ballast water exchange before discharge, as well as to keep a ballast water management plan and a ballast water record book on board. The requirements will apply to all ocean-going vessels (OGVs) registered in Hong Kong and all OGVs within Hong Kong waters."
The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the relevant consultative committee of the Marine Department have been consulted. Members supported the legislative proposal.
The legislative proposal was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 23 for negative vetting.
Ends/Friday, May 18, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:15
Issued at HKT 11:15
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