BIMCO guidance on COVID-19 implications for ships’ certificates
Overview
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some ships are experiencing operational challenges, such as shipyards or dry docks closing down. In addition, surveys and audits can in some cases not be conducted because surveyors are unable to attend the ships due to travel restrictions or quarantines.
The IMO has issued Circular Letter No. 4204/Add.1, addressed to all its member states. In this circular, the IMO Secretary-General addresses COVID-19’s impact on the shipping industry, including implementation and enforcement of mandatory IMO requirements. The circular encourages flexibility. The IMO can only encourage co-operation and a pragmatic approach between flag and port states. It cannot issue a general exemption from the mandatory provisions of the relevant statutory conventions, nor delay implementation of mandatory regulations coming into force - not even in the current uncertain situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the IMO circular, BIMCO has gathered a range of information from other organisations and analysed the consequences. The information and analysis are accessible from the BIMCO website here.
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
16 March 2020
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related event
15+15 webinar: Responsible Tank Cleaning
- 08 May, 2024
The discussion questions the relevance of the wall wash inspection and recommends replacing the wall wash with washing water analysis as a safer, more enviro...
Related publication
BIMCO Bulletin (discontinued)
The archive of BIMCO's digital magazine which was published quarterly until mid-2021.
ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
