Director General (DG) Shipping, Engineering published Circular No.2 of 2019 to be used in conjunction with IMO Resolution MEPC.259 (68), urging compliance with provisions of MARPOL Annex VI. regulation 14 which is applicable to all ships calling at Indian ports. Pursuant to the same, Adani ports sent out a circular banning open loop scrubber system but revoked it after pressure from the trade.
The present position with respect to wash water and open loop scrubber systems for ships calling at various ports on the East coast Of India (ECI) and West Coast of India (WCI) is summarised as under.
ECI Ports:
• Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Gangavaram, Krishnapatnam, Kattupalli, Ennore, Chennai, Karaikal – There are no port specific local restrictions. Vessels need to comply with International regulations, DG Shipping Engineering Circular No.2 of 2019, which is to be read in conjunction with IMO Resolution MEPC.259 (68).
• Dhamra - Dhamra Port is located next to ecologically sensitive areas (Marine Reserve & Bhitarkanika Crocodile National Park). In view of this usage of Open Loop Scrubber and Wash water discharge is not permitted at Dhamra port.
• Vizag – We understand from Harbour Master of Vizag port that the clearance from Andhra Pradesh Pollution control board are still awaited and hence use of open loop scrubber at Vizag port waters is not permitted.
• Tuticorin – As per Port Authority, if open loop scrubber is used, the scrubber unit must be stopped before arriving at Tuticorin Port limit. Open loop scrubber operation is not allowed within Tuticorin Port Limit/anchorage and In-Port during vessel’s stay including period of cargo operation.
WCI Ports:
• Kandla - Open loop scrubber is not allowed in Kandla at present. Vessels should either use low sulphur fuel OR hybrid scrubber in closed mode.
• Bedi, Sikka, Salaya – Sulphur content in fuel should be less than 0.5%. Vessels should either use low sulphur fuel OR hybrid Scrubber in closed mode.
• Vadinar - Release of wash water from open loop scrubbers is prohibited at Nayara facilities. All vessels calling Nayara facilities are advised to change over to compliant fuel before entering port limit / anchorage area.
• Mundra, JNPT, Mumbai, New Mangalore - There are no port specific restrictions. Vessels will need to comply with the International regulations, DG Shipping Engineering Circular No.2 of 2019, which is to be used in conjunction with IMO Resolution MEPC.259 (68).
• Cochin, Magdalla, Hazira, Dahej – Vessels have been asked to follow International regulations, DG Shipping Engineering Circular and MEPC circular.
In view of the above vessel owners should expect port state control authorities to check ships, for usage of compliant fuel (with low sulphur) or use of correct scrubber’s on board. The James Mackintosh Agency network along ECI and WCI is available 24x7 to provide assistance and information to ship owners.