RS participates in the session of the ESPH Technical Group

The Group’s main objective is to review, evaluate and categorize data submitted to IMO regarding noxious liquid substances for the purpose of determining their carriage conditions and in cases where the substances are not classified or included in any of the categories provided for in MARPOL Annex II.

In the course of the 30^th session, the Technical Group:

• reviewed over 50 proposals from Member States and international organizations for the evaluation of noxious liquid substances and cleaning additives, identified and agreed on the carriage conditions to be included in the MEPC.2/Circ. “Provisional Categorization of Liquid Substances in accordance with MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code”;
• developed a draft IMO Interim guidance summarizing recommended approaches for the carriage of petroleum fuel and biofuel blends by bunker ships;
• reviewed draft amendments to MARPOL Annex II that clarify the procedures for pre-washing cargo tanks after transporting products with a high melting point and/or high viscosity, prepared recommendations for further consideration by the PPR Sub-Committee in 2025.

In practical terms, the decisions of the Technical Group concerning the evaluation and categorization of noxious liquid substances mean that these substances can be transported by sea-going ships within the procedures and conditions laid down in MARPOL and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code). Thus, no separate costly assessment is required for each case.

The work of the Group is intended to provide practical assistance in the consistent and uniform implementation of MARPOL and IBC Code provisions by Member States, simplify procedures and reduce the administrative burden associated with the transportation of noxious liquid substances, while adhering to applicable ship, crew and environmental safety requirements.

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively implementing the concept "More than class" by expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys and certification. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.