At the beginning of January 2021, RightShip and INTERCARGO launched DryBMS which is a new quality standard for the dry bulk sector. The standard will be governed by a new NGO to be established later this year and will support the improvement of safety in the dry bulk segment.
The function for collecting and storing deficiency photos taken during PSC inspections in the APCIS has been implemented since 2009. For encouraging and promoting PSC officers to submitting deficiency photos, a prize of deficiency photo of the year has been established to award the PSC officer who took the best photo of deficiency in the year.
Deficiency photo of the years are also published on the Tokyo MOU website.
The Panama Canal revealed plans to decarbonize its operations, with the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The plan includes electric vehicles and use of alternative fuels, among others.
This is to inform you that the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization of Turkey has announced on 06 April 2021 that the wash water discharge of open-loop scrubbers is prohibited in Turkish waters and therefore the vessels operating with open-loop scrubber will have to switch to low-sulphur compliant fuels when entering / sailing in Turkish waters. In addition, the vessels which do not comply with the regulation may be imposed pollution fine by the Turkish authorities.
For further details, enclosed herewith please see our revised company circular regarding the scrubber usage in Turkey.