The Government proposes to amend the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations (Cap. 413A) and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage) Regulation (Cap. 413O) to incorporate the latest requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) into local legislation.
A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau today (October 11) said, "The proposed amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations set out the latest requirements on the provision of piping related to oil residue (sludge) tanks and the means of disposal of oil residue for ships of 400 gross tonnage and above.
"For the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage) Regulation, the proposed amendments seek to incorporate the IMO's new requirements on the classification of harmful substances to the marine environment and a more detailed record keeping of garbage discharge or incineration on board."
The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department have been consulted. Members supported the legislative proposal.
The legislative proposal was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 16 for negative vetting.
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