In accordance with Regulation (EU) 1257/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on ship recycling with effect from 31st December 2020 all vessels of 500 GT or larger will require a valid and certified Inventory of Hazardous Materials (referred to as IHM or The Inventory) on board if calling at an EU port or anchorage.
This also applies to non-EU flagged vessels calling an EU port or anchorage.
The Regulation will apply to all vessels of any type whatsoever operating or having operated in the marine environment including submarines, floating craft, floating platforms, self-elevating platforms, FSU’s, FPSO’s as well as ships stripped of equipment or being towed.
What is the IHM?
The IHM is a structured system to control hazardous materials onboard ships and achieve compliance with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR) and Hong Kong Convention (HKC) for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
The objectives of the Inventory are to provide ship-specific information on the actual hazardous materials present on board, to protect health and safety and to prevent environmental pollution at ship recycling facilities. This information will be used by the ship recycling facilities to decide how to manage the types and amounts of materials identified in the Inventory of Hazardous Materials.
Missing the deadline to hold a valid IHM means you will be operating in a breach which could result in delays, detainment and dismissal at EU ports.
The relevant certification can be obtained from an IHM expert company, such as an IACS classification society.
Full information can be found at the website of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) at:
http://www.emsa.europa.eu/emsa-homepage/2-news-a-press-centre/news/3003-emsaguidance-on-the-inventory-of-hazardous-materials.html
Further information can be found at the website of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at:
http://www.imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/IndexofIMOResolutions/MEPC%20Resolutions/MEPC.269(68).pdf
QUESTIONS?
Should you have any questions following this information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
ABOUT EF MARINE
EF Marine provides Fixed Premium P&I solutions to Shipowners, Charterers and MultiModal operators. EF Marine has a global client base and offices in Singapore and Rotterdam. EF Marine provides ‘AA-‘rated security from Swiss Re Corporate Solutions with limits up to USD 500m. Through our partnership with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions we provide our clients with first class security combined with EF Marine’s extensive knowledge of the P&I market.