Amendments to MARPOL Annex I , Regulation 13G

1. Table new schedule requires phase-out all Category 1 oil tankers* (i.e. preMARPOL design) latest at the end of 2005. It also sets up a similar phase-out
scheme for Category 2 and 3 oil tankers with the end date in 2010. (see 13G (4))
2. There is a provision for flag States to allow the continued operation of Category
2** and 3*** oil tankers beyond their phase-out date, but only up to 2015 or when
the ship reaches its 25th anniversary, whichever is earlier. (see 13G (7)) (However,
see below for additional provisions for port state right to deny entry to such ships).
3. Category 2 and 3 oil tankers with double bottom or double sides not used for
transportation and storage of oil and extending the entire cargo tank length, may be
permitted by the flag Administrations to continue trading up to their 25th
anniversary, even if this is beyond 2015 (see 13G (5)). (However, see below on port
state right to deny entry after 2015).
4. There is a provision for a port State to deny entry to its ports or offshore terminals
of a) a single hull tanker which has been allowed by its flag State to extend its life
beyond its phase-out date, and b) a tanker with double bottom or double sides after
2015. (see 13G (8)(b)).
5. Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) is required for all Category 2 and 3 oil
tankers over 15 years of age (see 13G (6)) (the new consolidated text of CAS is still
to be published by IMO; a copy of an unofficial consolidated text of the CAS
provisions can be seen at:
http://www.intertanko.com/pdf/technical/CASConsolidated.doc
6. A tighter, unified interpretation was adopted which requires tankers of 20,000 30,000 dwt to have protective located/segregated ballast tanks (PL/SBT)
arrangements in order to qualify as Category 2 oil tankers.
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*
Category 1 oil tankers are tankers >20k dwt without protectively located
segregated ballast tanks, carrying crude oil, fuel oil, heavy diesel oil or lubricating oil
as cargo or tankers >30k dwt carrying other types of oil
** Category 2 oil tankers are tankers >20k dwt carrying crude oil, fuel oil, heavy
diesel oil or lubricating oil as cargo; or tankers >30k dwt carrying other types of oil.
These tankers must be fitted with protectively located segregated ballast tanks.
*** Category 3 oil tankers are tankers >5000 dwt and <20k dwt carrying crude oil,
fuel oil, heavy diesel oil or lubricating oil as cargo or tankers <30k dwt carrying
other types of oil. The lower limits for Category 2 and 3 tankers falls to >600 dwt if
carrying HGO as cargo;