operational committee's reports - Singapore Shipping Association

O TechnIcal commITTee
Councillor Capt. Bjorn Hojgaard is the Chairman of the
Technical Committee. Capt. Hojgaard has two sub-committees
under his care, namely the Maritime Security Sub-Committee
and the Tanker Sub-Committee.
A summary of the main issues that have been addressed
by the Committee and its Sub-committees during the period in
review is provided below:
F Greenhouse Gases –
Market-Based Measures (MBMs)
Further discussions on MBMs were held at the IMO
third intersessional meeting on GHG emissions from ships
(GHG-WG 3) from 28 March to 1 April 2011.
Whilst the intersessional meeting had, among other
things, examined the principle and provisions of the MBMs in
relation to the relevant IMO Conventions, it also evaluated the
impact of the MBMs on specific aspects of international trade.
The Technical Committee, however, reiterated its support for
an incentivised levy/compensation fund-based system rather
than an emissions trading scheme, as a levy-based system is the
one that would most likely ensure a level playing field whilst
avoiding serious market distortion.
Whereas an emissions trading scheme will result in
unnecessary complications, an incentivised levy/compensation
fund-based system will be simpler to manage and more
transparent.
The SSA will continue to monitor and intervene, where
necessary, in the discussions at the IMO.
F Ballast Water Convention 2004
The Convention aims to prevent the potentially
devastating effects of the spread of harmful aquatic organisms
carried by ships’ ballast water from one region to another.
It will require all ships to implement a Ballast Water and
Sediments Management Plan. All ships will have to carry a
Ballast Water Record Book and will be required to carry out
ballast water management procedures to a given standard.
Existing ships will be required to do the same, but after a phasein
period.
The Convention will enter into force 12 months after
ratification by 30 States, representing 35% of world merchant
shipping tonnage. As of 28 February 2011, 27 States
representing 25.32% of world shipping tonnage have ratified
the Convention.
As of October 2010, the MEPC has granted 27 Basic
Approvals and 18 Final Approvals to various ballast water
management systems, with a further 7 Basic Approvals and 4
Final Approvals to be considered at the 62 nd MPEC.
32 SSA Annual Review 2010/2011
Photo courtesy of Mentum.no
F Mandatory Carriage of ECDIS
With effect from 1 July 2012, SOLAS vessels will have to comply with the amendments to SOLAS
regulation V/19 which make the carriage of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
under SOLAS Chapter V Safety of Navigation mandatory as proposed by NAV 54.
Whilst the Committee welcomed the mandatory carriage of ECDIS, it stressed that industry
would have to address a number of issues to facilitate the shift from paper to electronic charts.
Among other considerations, it would be necessary to review and establish clear company policies on
ECDIS, train ships’ officers, review bridge procedures and to select a service provider that can meet
the company’s needs.
F Maritime Security Sub-Committee
Chaired by Capt. George Solomon of Neptune Orient Lines Ltd, the Sub-Committee worked
closely with the MPA, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC), the Republic of Singapore
Navy (RSN) and other maritime security providers to discuss proposed measures and submissions
concerning maritime security and to make appropriate recommendations, including practical
measures, to improve security arrangements for ships.
The Sub-Committee analysed the latest situation of piracy and armed robbery that threatened
international shipping around the world. With statistical and situational reports from the International
Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the ReCAAP ISC, the Sub-Committee studied the modus operandi of the
pirates.
The Association expressed great anger and outrage at the increasing number of attacks on
merchant ships and also the brutality shown by Somali pirates. In 2010, attacks by Somali pirates
accounted for almost 50% of all attacks worldwide.
Whilst the Association maintain its strong stance that all governments must act decisively and
expeditiously to eradicate piracy and attacks on ships, it also acknowledged that industry must also
be prepared to do its part. The Association therefore urged all member companies to comply fully
with the voluntary Best Management Practices (BMP) promulgated by the International Maritime
Organisation and industry associations.
Despite the measures contained in the BMP, the Association observed that some shipowners
have opted to engage private armed guards aboard their vessels to safeguard their seafarers. In this
regard, the Association supported MPA’s submission calling for the IMO to discuss the development
of guidance for shipowners and ship operators on the employment of private armed security service
providers onboard their ships to deter and counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean and
the Arabian Sea.
In addition to the threat of Somali pirates, the Sub-Committee also monitored very closely the
situation in other parts of the world, such as the west coast of Africa and the South China Sea.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
All governments
must act decisively
and expeditiously to
eradicate piracy and
attacks on ships,
industry must also
be prepared to do
its part.
SSA Annual Review 2010/2011
33