SOLAS update – Prohibition on Blending of Bulk Liquid Cargoes

Prohibition of the blending of bulk liquid cargoes and production processes during sea voyages that came into force 1 January 2014

Members are advised that further to the IMO circular MSC-MEP.2/Circ.8, August 2009 issued as an interim measure pending the development and adoption of mandatory provisions for the prohibiting of physical blending of MARPOL regulated cargoes, the Maritime Safety Committee has adopted during its 90th session resolution MSC.235(90).  As of 1 January 2014 – amendment to SOLAS chapter VI adding SOLAS regulation VI/5-2, which prohibits the blending of bulk liquid cargoes and production processes during sea voyages came into force.  The new regulation adds the following text after the existing regulation 5-1 of SOLAS Chapter VI:

‘Regulation 5-2 – Prohibition of the blending of bulk liquid cargoes and production processes during sea voyages

1. The physical blending of bulk liquid cargoes during sea voyages is prohibited. Physical blending refers to the process whereby the ship's cargo pumps and pipelines are used to internally circulate two or more different cargoes with the intent to achieve a cargo with a new product designation. This prohibition does not preclude the master from undertaking cargo transfers for the safety of the ship or protection of the marine environment.
2. The prohibition in paragraph 1 does not apply to the blending of products for use in the search and exploitation of seabed mineral resources on board ships used to facilitate such operations.
3. Any production process on board a ship during sea voyages is prohibited. Production processes refer to any deliberate operation whereby a chemical reaction between a ship's cargo and any other substance or cargo takes place.
4. The prohibition in paragraph 3 does not apply to the production processes of cargoes for use in the search and exploitation of seabed mineral resources on board ships used to facilitate such operations.’If Members are unsure as to whether a particular operation would fall within the scope of the new regulation Members are advised to contact their Classification Society and/or flag State for further advice.

In view of the amendments, Members involved in the carriage of bulk liquid cargoes are advised to review their existing chartering/contractual arrangements and terms which may involve such operations on board their vessels and to ensure any future fixture terms take into consideration the new SOLAS regulations.

If Members are unsure as to whether a particular operation would fall within the scope of the new regulation Members are advised to contact their Classification Society and/or flag State for further advice.