Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)
The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has released recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of a plastic pellet spill during their carriage in freight containers by sea.
The recommendations contain guidance for the packaging, identification and stowage of plastic pellets when held in freight containers during maritime transport.
Shippers, manufacturers, terminal operators, shipowners, ship operators, charterers, shipmasters and all relevant parties are encouraged to take up these recommendations.
It is recommended that plastic pellets be packed in good quality packaging that is strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered during transport. Packaging should also be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of contents which may be caused under normal conditions of transport by vibration or acceleration forces.
In addition to the cargo information required by SOLAS regulation VI/2, transport information should clearly identify freight containers that contain plastic pellets. The shipper should include a special stowage request consistent with the stowage recommendations.
Freight containers holding plastic pellets should be properly stowed and secured to minimise the hazards to the marine environment without impairing the safety of the ship and persons on board.
Specifically, containers should be stowed:
These recommendations are the first step in a 2-stage approach to address the environmental risks associated with the maritime transport of plastic pellets. The MEPC will consider appropriate mandatory measures as the second step.
These mandatory measures will be informed by the experience gained from the implementation of the recommendations. To assist in these discussions, feedback on the implementation of the recommendations would be welcome by email to: Environment.Standards@amsa.gov.au
A copy of MEPC.1/Circ.909 setting out these recommendations can be obtained from the IMO Website.