The Government proposes to amend the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulation, the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage) Regulation and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) Regulation to incorporate the latest requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of the International Maritime Organization into local legislation.

     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau today (June 12) said, "The proposed amendments involve allowing the use of electronic record books on board ships as an alternative to traditional hard copy record books, and the scope of application of Energy Efficiency Design Index requirements to ships having ice-breaking capabilities." The amendments are in line with the trend of transacting shipping business by electronic means, and will contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.

     The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department have been consulted on the legislative proposal. Members supported the proposal.

     The proposed legislative amendments were gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 17 for negative vetting.

Ends/Friday, June 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:00

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