THE United States' Coast Guard has backed complaints that waterfront facilities in the Houston-Galveston have been charging too much to remove marine pollution (MARPOL) residues and waste from vessels.
According to the UN's International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) "Guide to Good Practice for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users," the cost of these services should not present a disincentive to users, which may deter their use.
The US Coast Guard said they have substantiated some allegations, adding that reception facility providers "are reminded that as long as vessels give 24 hour's notice, the facility should provide MARPOL reception services at reasonable cost", reported GAC Hot Port News.
The US Coast Guard has also received complaints that certain waterfront facilities did not allow ships to unload noxious liquid substances (NLS) to drain NLS residues from cargo hoses and piping systems back to the terminal.
The port and terminal operations' guideline states that the person in charge shall ensure that each cargo hose and each piping system containing NLS received from each oceangoing ship carrying NLS cargo is not drained back into the ship.
Offenders are liable for civil penalties of up to US$25,000 daily, per offence, with each day of a continuing violation constituting a separate violation. Knowingly violating regulations may result in fines for each offence of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to five years or both.
WORLD SHIPPING
29 December 2013 - 21:08
US Coast Guard to Houston: Lower pollution clean up fees - or else
Houston-Galveston have been charging too much to remove marine pollution (MARPOL) residues and waste from vessels.
WORLD SHIPPING
29 December 2013 - 21:08
US Coast Guard to Houston: Lower pollution clean up fees - or else
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