I read in the maritime press that several associations are complaining about conventions and rules not always being clear and about standards differing from one continent to another, or even within the EU or the US themselves.
Our association as a service provider to the maritime industry is also facing this uncertainty which complicates our members’ decision making processes especially when significant investment cost are involved.
One such issue is the increasing use of exhaust gas cleaning, which still leaves quite some doubt about its environmental performance and its effect on shallow seawaters quality and consequently impacts the potential volumes to be discharged at port reception facilities. Another issue is the Ballast Water Management Convention, which needs further clarifications, as you can read in this newsletter.
I wish you a good reading and please feel free to send your comments and reactions.