Faroese flagged vessels above 500 GT must comply by year-end 2020.
The European Union (EU) has issued Regulation No. 1257/2013 (EU SSR) on ship recycling, and it entered into force on 30 December 2013. It is an early implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships which has not yet entered into force.
Applicable for Faroese vessels from year end 2020
By 31 December 2020, all Faroese vessels above 500 GT calling at an EU or EEA member state port or anchorage must comply with the regulation. This applies to both cargo and fishing vessels.
How to comply with the EU regulation
The Regulation for Ship Recycling Regulation No 1257/2013 makes it mandatory to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Material (IHM) on board by latest 31 December 2020 for existing vessels. Furthermore, vessels must carry on board a supporting Statement of Compliance (SoC).
Preparing an IHM list requires advanced planning, and it requires assistance from a third-party expert or service supplier. The IHM expert company should implement quality processes and procedures preferably in accordance with ISO 17020 or any equivalent standard covering all the relevant activities of the company. Anyone using an IHM expert for compiling or updating an IHM must be able to confirm that the IHM expert is competent to carry out the work required.
When the IHM list is completed, a class surveyor must verify the inventory list and issue a Statement of Compliance to the vessel.
Act without delay
The FMA recommends that captains and managers act promptly to avoid delays in meeting the requirements in the EU SRR. If the requirements are not met by 31 December 2020, Faroese vessels above 500 GT will not be allowed to call at EU and EEA ports. The EEA countries consist of Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein.
The Faroese Maritime Authority will have to adjust a vessel’s trading permit accordingly if it does not comply with the regulation by 31 December 2020.
If you need further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Faroese Maritime Authority.
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