The Government of Hong Kong has published an Information Note to inform ship owners, operators, masters, classification societies and shipbuilders for its plan to implement the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention).
This Convention prohibits the use of organotin compounds in anti-fouling systems of ships in order to protect the marine environment. The Regulation will apply to Hong Kong registered ships wherever they are and also ships within the Hong Kong waters.
Once the regulation enters into force, the date of which is yet to be determined, any Hong Kong ship of 400 gross tonnes or above that voyages internationally will need to keep a valid International Anti-Fouling System Certificate onboard. Ship owners are recommended to replace the Statement of Compliance issued under the AFS Convention by an International Anti-Fouling System Certificate from now on for their ships.
Details of the Convention can be found by clicking here.
Ship Efficiency Review News
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