Wednesday 15 February 2023
International agreement to extend the mandatory installation of emergency towage hardware.
Last week the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reached the international agreement to extend the mandatory installation of emergency towage hardware from tankers of 20,000 dead weight tonnage and above, to all newly constructed vessels of 20,000 gross tonnage and above.
The change, co-sponsored and pushed by Australia in partnership with several other countries, reduces potential harm to seafarers and sensitive marine areas by facilitating more rapid and safe responses to vessels in distress.