The new standard for in-water cleaning of a ship’s hull, propeller and niche areas with the capture of the materials that are removed during the process, and requirements for cleaning company approval by independent bodies has recently been released and are attached as Annex A and B. The standard and approval process will help to ensure that the in-water cleaning of ships, can be carried out safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way. The documents were written by an industry working group consisting of AFS manufacturers, in-water cleaners, shipowners, ports, international organisations and authorities, under the coordination of BIMCO and ICS.

Members who would like to participate in the implementation process by contributing ships are requested to contact John Stawpert, ICS Manager (Environment and Trade)  (john.stawpert@ics-shipping.org)  as previously advised in HKSOA Cir. Ref: O(21)05 on 18th January 2021.