The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSA) is warning of an "environmental catastrophe" if crippled ships are left at sea and forbidden to land, thus increasing the risk of break-up and spilling its cargo and fuel into the ocean, according to Shipping Gazette.
The HKSA calls on ships in such incidents to urgently remove any remaining cargo and bunkers and to repair the damage, ideally, in a sheltered place, or place of refuge.
This issue has gained prominence in Asia due to the chemical tanker, the Maritime Maisie that was damaged in a fire and collision and is being towed at sea without a place of refuge two and a half months after the incident.
Governments, especially those in Asia, are urged to consider adopting the IMO Place of Refuge Guidelines and MAS Guidelines, as a matter of urgency, and similar measures to those prescribed in the EU VTM Directive.
IMO Assembly Resolution A.950(23) "Guidelines on Places of Refuge for Ships in Need of Assistance" provides the master, owner and coastal state with a framework to enable them to respond effectively in the event of an incident.
In Europe, the existing measures are contained in the European Community Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System (Directive 2009/59/EC as amended by Directive 2009/17/EC).
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