MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
COMMITTEE
MEPC 56/6/XX
4 May 2007
Original: ENGLISH
th
56 session
Agenda item 6
INTERPRETATIONS AND AMENDMENTS OF MARPOL 73/78 AND
RELATED INSTRUMENTS
Submitted by the International Association of Independent Tankers Owners
(INTERTANKO)
SUMMARY
Executive Summary:
Action to be taken:
Related documents:
INTERTANKO proposes that BLG Circular
BLG.1/Circ.18 be amended to include viscosity data for
vegetable oils being transported under the Revised
MARPOL Annex II and the amended IBC Code
Paragraph 3
BLG.1/Circ.18
1.
Background
1.1
This document is submitted in accordance with the Guidelines of the organization
and method of work contained in MSC-MEPC.1/Circ.1
1.2
The IBC Code requires that cargoes be referred to in the shipping document by
the product name as it appears in chapter 17 or 18 of the IBC Code or the
MEPC.2/Circular. The term “shipping document” has never been defined in this context
in order to allow maximum flexibility for industry. However, this can sometimes lead to
confusion, particularly where products are referred to by different names on various
documents.
1.3
Last year the Organization developed an example of an optional shipping
document that may be used where owners feel it necessary to clarify the names of
products carried on board their vessels. Member States were invited to bring
BLG.1/Circ.18 to the attention of interested parties and provide feedback to the
Organization on its use.
2. Discussion
2.1
INTERTANKO concurs with the intent of BLG.1/Circ.18. However, as industry
has seen, since the MARPOL Annex II Revisions came into effect, there are recurring
problems with the lack of information and documentation relative to vessels carrying
vegetable oils. Difficulties in complying with the amended IBC Code occurs when a
vessel arrives in port without the required information for carriage of certain Category Y
products that reference “special requirements” in the amended IBC Code more
specifically paragraphs 16.2.6 / 16.2.9, which states;
16.2.6 Where column o in the table of Chapter 17 refers to this paragraph, the cargo's
viscosity at 20 degrees C shall be specified on a Shipping Document, and if the cargo's
viscosity exceeds 50 mPa.s at 20 degrees C, the temperature at which the cargo has a
viscosity of 50 mPa.s shall be specified in the Shipping Document.
16.2.9 Where column o in the table of Chapter 17 refers to this paragraph, the cargo's
melting point shall be indicated in the Shipping Document.
2.2
BLG/1 Circ 18 contains a template for a "shipping document". The intent of this
document was to encourage the use of the proper shipping name. The attached revised
document as set out in Annex I has been drafted for the purpose of providing the
viscosity / melting point information and uses BLG.1/Circ.18 as the base document.
3 Action requested of the Committee
3.1 The Committee is invited to take action as appropriate.
Annex 1
SHIPPING DOCUMENT
For the purposes of MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code
Vessels Name:
Shipper:
B/L #
/
CGO #
Cargo Description
(Trade Name)
Flag:
Voyage:
Product Name
(as per IBC code*)
Loaded in
tank(s) #
Load Port
Discharge Port
Signature
Title
Company/Organisation
* Official name as it appears in IBC Code or MEPC.2/Circ and Ship’s Certificate of Fitness.
For Marpol Category Y products with reference
to IBC 16.2.6 (viscosity) / 16.2.9 (melting point):
Temperature
Viscosity at
where viscosity
Melting point
20 °C
is 50 mPa.s (°C)
(°C)
(mPa.s)
Optional Shipping Document Guidance Note
The IBC Code requires that cargoes be identified in the shipping document by the
product name as it appears in Chapter 17 or 18 of the IBC Code, or the MEPC.2/Circular.
For practical purposes, this shipping document is normally the Bill of Lading (B/L).
However, as there may be reluctance on part of the shipper or receiver in having this
information on the B/L, this optional shipping document has been developed.
With the upgrade of numerous products in the amended IBC Code, notably vegetable oils
and oleo chemicals, the following IBC Code special requirements now apply:
16.2.6 Where column o in the table of chapter 17 refers to this paragraph, the
cargo’s viscosity at 20°C shall be specified on a shipping document, and if the
cargo’s viscosity exceeds 50 mPa.s at 20°C, the temperature at which the cargo
has a viscosity of 50 mPa.s shall be specified in the shipping document.
16.2.9 Where column o in the table of chapter 17 refers to this paragraph, the
cargo’s melting point shall be indicated in the shipping document.
Both paragraphs require that information about viscosity and melting point is also stated
on the shipping document. As there also may be reluctance on part of the shipper or
receiver in having this information on the B/L, this optional shipping document has been
developed. Since the viscosity and melting point for many products, particularly
vegetable oils and oleo chemicals, may vary from shipment to shipment, port state
authorities may require these values for the specific product in question, instead of some
generic value. This document can be used for that purpose when necessary.
It is the intention that the shipper or a responsible party on behalf of the shipper shall
complete this document. It is not the place of the ship Master to verify cargo
identification or specifications.