Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has announced the introduction of agency services covering Ship Pollution Response Organization (SPRO) regulations for vessels calling at ports in China.
The provision of the service follows new requirements introduced by the Chinese Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) that all vessels calling Chinese ports must have a valid contract with a licensed SPRO in China.
The rules apply to any ship carrying polluting and hazardous cargoes in bulk or any other vessel above 10,000 gt and came into effect from January 1, 2012, with a grace period until March 1 at ports where the MSA has yet to approve SPROs. The requirements do not apply to Hong Kong or Macau.
Having concluded agreements with local SPRO service companies, WSS is able to provide its customers with contracts with licensed suppliers at all ports in China, delivering certainty that they are in compliance with the regulations.
Captain Bi Yuping – General Manager of WSS Ships Agency & Marine Logistics China , said:
“Through the five WSS offices along the coastline of China, we aim to offer to our clients a global standard of service and peace of mind that they are compliant with the oil pollution response regulation. As with all agency services provided by WSS, our aim is to eliminate the operational burden on the shipowner and to increase their vessels’ operational efficiency at Chinese ports.”
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, January 19, 2012; Image: WSS