IMO Mandatory Regulation to Come into Force for Ballast Tanks

At a February 2006 meeting in London the International Marine Organization (IMO), the United Nations organization concerned about the safety of shipping and clean oceans, agreed upon a draft standard for protective coatings for ballast tanks. The regulation of concern is SOLAS regulation II-1/3-2 and XII/6.3.  As early as December 2006 a mandatory standard will be put in place in order to achieve a performance standard of 15 years on ballast tank coatings.  The timeline of implementation has not been finalized but there is strong indication it will take place in January 2007.  Once the mandatory standard has been implemented, many changes will be required in selection, surface preparation, application, and maintenance of coatings affecting coating suppliers, ship owners, and shipyards. The required changes needed are listed at http://www.safinah.co.uk/industry_news/july06/index.htm.

Additional information can be found at http://www.imo.org/index.htm.