- In its latest warning to members, Standard Club has issued ban of open loop scrubbers in Turkish waters.
- There are concerns that the environmental authorities in Turkey may fine the ship if the samples collected from the overboard discharge line is suspected to be a pollutant.
Ambiguity in Turkish environmental law means shipowners should avoid using open-loop scrubbers in Turkish waters, even though there is no ban on discharge from them there, reads a news release of the insurance association Standard Club.
Environment code
Based on information from its local correspondent, Omur Marine, Standard Club said article 8 of the environment code describes the pollution prohibition as follows:
It is prohibited, to introduce into, store in, transport to or remove from the receptor area any discharge or waste in such a way as to inflict damage on the environment or in a way directly or indirectly in contradiction with the standards and methods specified in the applicable regulations, or to engage in similar activities.
Marine pollution fines
Although it is clearly mentioned in the above article that the residue or poured material must have an effect inflicting damage on the environment, the authorities widely interpret the term of pollutant.
It is therefore recommended that all overboard discharge valves are shut and secured/sealed in closed position whilst the ships are in Turkish waters either at anchor or adrift, waiting for passage through the Straits.
The members can refer to club’s previous update on marine pollution fines in Turkey.
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Source: Standard Club
