Standard Club has issued a Web Alert on IMSBC Code Amendments (Harmful to the Marine Environment Cargo Residues). Effective the beginning of this year the amendments 03-15 to IMSBC code have come into force. The IMSBC Code now requires shippers to identify solid bulk cargoes as HME or non-HME and that determination is made using the seven criteria contained in paragraph 3.2 of IMO Resolution MEPC.219(63). Such declaration as to whether or not a solid bulk cargo is HME must be included in the information required to be provided.
Discharge of HME cargo residues at sea is not permitted under MARPOL Annex V. This includes cargo residues contained in wash-water as well as cargo residues not contained in wash-water.
Discharge of non-HME cargoes, including cargo residues contained in wash-water as well as cargo residues not contained in wash-water, is permitted under MARPOL Annex V, subject to certain restrictions.