New IMO guidance ensures safe shipping of plastic pellets
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in February convened its Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 11) in London to address the safe transport and handling of plastic pellets, which pose environmental risks if released into the sea.
PPR 11 has drafted safety recommendations for transporting plastic pellets in freight containers, focusing on strong packaging, clear labeling, proper storage, and spill prevention. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) will review these recommendations this March.
Additionally, draft guidelines for cleaning up plastic pellet spills were developed to assist authorities in devising national strategies and response plans. These guidelines cover various aspects from planning to post-spill monitoring and will be updated based on industry feedback. They are set for consideration by MEPC 82 in October.
Moreover, PPR 11 discussed potential amendments to existing IMO regulations concerning plastic pellets and committed to further discussions in subsequent sessions.
Plastic pellets, vital raw materials for plastic production, are typically transported in bulk, but spills can harm marine ecosystems and economic activities such as fishing and tourism. Notably, a significant incident occurred off the coast of Galicia, Spain, involving the release of millions of pellets from a ship.
PPR 11 also addressed other environmental concerns, including Black Carbon emissions in the Arctic, guidance for in-water cleaning according to the 2023 Biofouling Guidelines, discharge from exhaust gas cleaning systems, sewage treatment plant performance, and reporting protocols for lost fishing gear.
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