Environment
August 2021
BIMCO calls on shipowners to provide information on biofouling management
BIMCO is launching a new survey with the aim of gathering information from shipowners about the effectiveness of their anti-fouling systems (AFS). The information gathered will help BIMCO provide factual information to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) about biofouling management in practice.
IMO Legal Committee agrees unified interpretation on limitation of liability
At its meeting held from 26 to 30 July 2021, the Legal Committee (LEG) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed on a unified interpretation of the test for breaking a shipowner’s right to limit liability under certain IMO conventions. The committee also considered several other issues relating to the abandonment of seafarers, to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and to the committee’s future work programme.
July 2021
New BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report warns of serious potential officer shortage
Launched today, the new Seafarer Workforce Report from BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping warns that the industry must significantly increase training and recruitment levels if it is to avoid a serious shortage in the total supply of officers by 2026. Given the growing demand for STCW certified officers, the Report predicts that there will be a need for an additional 89,510 officers by 2026 to operate the world merchant fleet. The report estimates that 1.89 million seafarers currently serve the world merchant fleet, operating over 74,000 vessels around the globe.
BIMCO issues updated list of restrictions on scrubber wash water discharge
BIMCO has issued an updated list of local restrictions on the discharge of the wash water from Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), also known as scrubbers.
June 2021
Shipping industry urges governments to act on USD 5 billion decarbonisation fund
The shipping industry has welcomed the growing momentum for a USD 5 billion R&D Fund for shipping, but is calling on governments to act in line with their climate commitments and not waste more time in moving forward with decisive action to support the decarbonisation of the industry.
International Maritime Organization bans toxic paint substance cybutryne
At the 76th session of the Maritime Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC 76), the IMO has prohibited the use of cybutryne in antifouling systems (AFS) from 1 January 2023, as studies have proven that the substance is harmful to a variety of marine organisms.
BIMCO launches initiatives to address shipping’s plastic footprint
With discussions at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting (held 10 to 17 June 2021) on sea-based sources of marine plastic delayed until the end of the year, BIMCO is looking at what the shipping industry can to do reduce its plastic footprint to ensure momentum is not lost in the absence of formal discussions at the IMO.
BIMCO members invited to share experiences in Ballast Water Management
Shipowners are being invited to submit data and information directly to the World Maritime University on the Ballast Water Convention to build a complete and realistic picture of how it is really working.
UN 3077 Environmentally Hazardous Solid Bulk cargoes Update
Based on information provided by a BIMCO owner member, BIMCO updates the information on UN 3077 environmentally hazardous solid bulk cargoes and its relation with the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes ( IMSBC) Code.
May 2021
BIMCO tackles challenging carbon rules with new charter party clauses
BIMCO’s documentary experts have begun preparing charter party clauses to assist owners and charterers comply with complex new carbon regulations due to come into force in 2023.
