BIMCO has issued an updated list of local restrictions on the discharge of the wash water from Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), also known as scrubbers.
Globally, IMO’s 2021 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (MEPC.340(77)) [see footnote] apply. Section 10 of the guidelines stipulates the wash water discharge criteria and limits, including that wash water levels should be continuously monitored and recorded when operated while the ship is in ports, harbours or estuaries.
The following search lists those who have implemented regulations that differ from the IMO MEPC.340(77).
Where discharge of wash water is allowed ‘partially’ it means discharge is allowed except for some specific ports, or only in certain parts of the territorial waters.
Where discharge of wash water is allowed ‘conditioned’ it means discharge is only allowed based on pre-approval by the relevant authority.
Please be aware that local restrictions or bans may be in force without BIMCO having received the information. The list is therefore only based on the latest information received by BIMCO.
Should you be aware of any development or information which is not included in the list, please do not hesitate to contact us (hsse@bimco.org), so we can share this information with all our members as the discussion is ongoing among many regulatory bodies and changes might occur on a regular basis.
*Existing scrubbers are certified in accordance with the guidelines in place at the point of installation. IMO’s 2021 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (MEPC.340(77)) apply to scrubbers installed or delivered after 1 June 2022, prior to this date IMO’s 2015 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (MEPC.259(68)) and its corrigendum (MEPC 68/21/Add.1/Corr.2), or the 2009 Guidelines (MEPC.184(59)), apply.