Dated: 14.11.2007
 

Sub: Carriage of Vegetable Oils

 IMO has revised Annex II of MARPOL through Resolution MEPC 118(52). The existing IBC Code has also been amended due to the re-categorization of the chemicals listed in Chapter 17 and 18. Both these amendments have already come in to force with effect from 1^st January 2007. 

From 1 January 2007, as a result of the deletion of the existing Regulation 14 of ANNEX II of MARPOL 73/78  (Carriage and Discharge of Oil-like Substances in Oil Tankers), 'Oil-like Substances' will be discontinued and will no longer be permitted to be carried on ANNEX I Oil Tankers.   

Under the revised ANNEX II of MARPOL 73/78, vegetable oils have been reassessed and have been upgraded to Pollution Category Y and are now listed in Chapter 17 of the IBC Code. Therefore from 1^st January 2007, vegetable oils can only be carried on Type 2 chemical tankers.  Ships carrying vegetable oils under a Noxious Liquid Substance  (NLS) Certification will have to convert to a chemical tanker from 1 January 2007 and the crew will be required to have Chemical Tanker Endorsements as appropriate for the route.

            Considering the provisions under the Regulation 4.1.3 of the revised ANNEX II of MARPOL 73/78, the Directorate has decided to exempt a Type 3 Chemical Tanker from the carriage requirements under regulation 11 of IBC Code for ships certified to carry individually identified vegetable oils identified by the relevant footnote (k) in Chapter 17 of the IBC Code under the following conditions:-

1. The NLS tanker shall meet all requirements for ship type 3 as identified in the IBC Code except for cargo tank location;
2. Cargo tanks shall be located at the following distances inboard. The entire cargo tank length shall be protected by ballast tanks or spaces other than tanks that carry oil as follows:

(i)         Wing tanks or spaces shall be arranged such that cargo tanks are located inboard of the moulded line of the side shell plating nowhere less than 760 mm; and

(ii)        Double bottom tanks or spaces shall be arranged such that the distance between the bottom of the cargo tanks and the moulded line of the bottom shell plating measured at right angles to the bottom shell plating is not less than B/15 (m) or 2.0 m at the centreline, whichever is the lesser. The minimum distance shall be 1.0 metre; and

3.   The relevant certificate shall indicate the exemption granted and list of products to be carried.   

Ship owners / charterers may note that, paragraph 16.1 of the IBC Code does not lay down a maximum quantity of cargo for Type 3 chemical tankers.  For Ship Type 2 chemical tankers, under paragraph 16.1.2 of the IBC Code, the maximum tank size shall not exceed 3000 m³. Therefore, while carrying vegetable oils in a Type 2 chemical tanker, the 3000 m3 cargo restriction shall apply.  However, for ships having Type 3 certification in all relevant certificates and documents, (ie the ship should not have dual certification as Type 2 and Type 3) and carrying vegetable oil under the provision of regulation 4.1.3, such cargo restriction shall not apply.

Foreign shipowners / charterers may note that the above restrictions shall apply to foreign ships as well when they carry vegetable oil to or from any Indian port. All such vessels when carrying vegetable oil under the provision of regulation 4.1.3 should obtain the relevant exemption from their respective maritime administration and shall hold documentary evidence for showing compliance with the conditions stipulated in the said regulation.

            This is issued with the approval of Director General of Shipping & ex-officio Addl. Secretary to the Government of India. 

Yours faithfully,

 Sd/-
( SURESH KUMAR, R.M. )
DY.CHIEF SHIP SURVEYOR-CUM-SR. DDG (TECH.)

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