New MARPOL amendments 2018
New MARPOL Annex V amendments, effective March 1, 2018, have changed the rules for managing ship garbage. Shippers must now declare if cargo residues are Harmful to the Marine Environment (HME), based on specific criteria from the UN GHS. The Garbage Record Book has also been updated with a new section for ships carrying solid bulk cargoes, and a new category for e-waste has been included to ensure proper disposal. These changes are designed to improve environmental protection in maritime transport.
Hazard assessment of mining materials for transport
Is your cargo safe for transport? We help mining companies properly classify hazardous materials like coal, iron ore, and other by-products. Our streamlined three-step process—consultation, lab coordination, and comprehensive reporting—ensures you meet global transport regulations, keeping your operations safe and compliant.
MARPOL Annex V – Management of residues of Solid Bulk Cargoes
The MARPOL Annex V convention is a key international agreement for preventing marine pollution from ships. It requires that residues of solid bulk cargoes be managed based on whether they are classified as Harmful to the Marine Environment (HME) or non-HME.
A cargo is considered HME if it meets any of the seven criteria from the UN GHS, which relate to a substance's potential for aquatic toxicity, carcinogenicity, or other long-term environmental and health risks. This classification is crucial, as HME residues must be disposed of at a port facility, while non-HME residues can be discharged at sea under specific conditions. To ensure compliance, the IMSBC Code now specifically requires shippers to declare if a cargo is HME, making proper classification more important than ever for environmental safety.