In relation to the emission control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from tankers, tankers subject to regulation 15 (3) of MARPOL Annex VI are to be provided Vapour collection system in accordance with the safety standards MSC/Circ.585 when calling at ports and terminals designated by IMO.

So far, there were no such designated ports and terminals for the emission control of VOCs, it was notified that the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea designated the ports under the specified conditions in MEPC.1/Circ.774 issued on 21 December 2011 (Refer to the Attachment 1).

As stipulated in regulation 15 (5) of MARPOL Annex VI, it is acceptable that existing tankers which are not fitted with Vapour collection system for a period of three years after each effective date of the control, especially, please be aware that the due date of some ports in the Republic of Korea is on 5 May 2012.

Applicable tankers which call at these designated ports are to be installed on Vapour collection system approved in accordance with the safety standards of MSC/Circ.585 and item 2.4.1 of the supplement of IAPP certificate is to be having a check mark accordingly.

In case if you request ClassNK to issue the revised IAPP certificate, plan approval of Vapour collection system manual and confirmation survey by its attending surveyor are to be required before the issuance of the revised IAPP certificate.

Such tankers are kindly requested to submit ClalssNK Natural Resources and Energy Department Vapour collection system manual (refer to Note) for approval with a completed application form (see Attachment 2). After plan approval of it, examination survey will be carried out corresponding to your application, then the revised IAPP supplement will be issued.

In case of tankers having Vapour emission control system in accordance with USCG requirements and Vapour emission control system manual had been already approved by ClassNK, the revised IAPP supplement will be issued after its examination. Such tankers are kindly requested to contact ClassNK Natural Resources and Energy Department for its examination by e-mail/Fax message, etc.

(To be continued)