Sea transport of liquid bulk cargoes
International and national rules apply to the sea transport of liquid bulk cargoes. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) oversees compliance with these rules in the Netherlands.
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National and international rules
Those responsible for tankers, cargoes and terminals must comply with the following rules:
- The sea transport of oil products in bulk falls under MARPOL Annex I.
- The sea transport of liquid substances in bulk that are harmful to the marine environment falls under MARPOL Annex II and the accompanying International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- Waste crossing borders and hazardous waste are also subject to the European Waste Shipment Regulation (EWSR). Evidence must be available on board to show that the EWSR notification procedure has been followed.
- If the cargo is hazardous, the ship master must notify the port authority in advance of the vessel’s arrival at a port in the Netherlands.
- A prewash may be mandatory for certain categories of liquid cargo.
- There are specific requirements for cleaning agents used on tankers and for their application.
Assessed and unassessed liquid bulk substances
The IBC Code contains construction and equipment requirements for tankers and sets out the standards for assessing liquid bulk cargoes. Tankers may only carry assessed liquid substances in bulk.
- The rules for sea transport in bulk of assessed liquids are set out in IBC Code chapters 17, 18 and 19.
- There are some assessed liquids that have not yet been included in the IBC Code. These are listed in MEPC.2/Circ, published by the IMO annually on 1 December.
- The IMO offers the option of a provisional assessment in a Tripartite Provisional Agreement (TPA). The IMO maintains a list of TPAs. Each year on 1 December, the IMO incorporates these TPAs into the MEPC.2/Circ and then begins a new overview of TPAs.
- If a substance does not appear in the IBC Code, MEPC.2/Circ or the list of TPAs, the cargo owner must request a TPA in advance. If you are a cargo owner based in the Netherlands, you must apply for the TPA through the ILT.
Role of the ILT in sea transport
The ILT oversees whether sea transport complies with international and national rules. Reporting of deficiencies, irregularities and incidents is mandatory. The ILT can be contacted:
- Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:30 on +31 70 456 46 50.
- Outside these hours for emergencies on +31 88 489 00.
- By e-mail: psc@ilent.nl.