Friday, 21st February 2020
The International Group Clubs have issued a circular on the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships (the Regulations) and which will become effective on 1st March 2020. There are no material changes to the existing spill response requirements in the PRC as a result of the Regulations, although the Circular sets out the ships that will not now need to contract with a spill response organisation (SPRO) when entering a Chinese port. The Group has reviewed the existing IG recommended SPRO Agreement wording in light of the Regulations and, at present, it is recommended that Owners continue to sign SPRO Agreements on the existing Group recommended wording. The circular recommends that Owners entering into new SPRO arrangements continue to ensure that the SPRO also provides an accompanying response tariff (which can be checked with the Club) but, if they are in any doubt about the contract and SPRO tariff, then it is recommended that they contact their Club before contracting with any SPRO. A copy of the circular can be downloaded from individual Club websites.
