VIDA: Recent Developments and Timeline

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US and the US Coast Guard (USCG) have recently announced that the implementation timeline for the implementation of certain components of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) will be significantly delayed.

Members trading to the US should be aware that the 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) will remain in force until the USCG has published the required implementation, monitoring and enforcement regulations. The EPA is not expected to publish their final rule relating to the discharge of pollutants from ships until June 2022. The USCG will then have a period of 2 years to prescribe, administer and enforce regulations consistent with the standard set by the EPA in their final rule. This means that no changes are required for VGP compliance until likely June 2024.

Members should further take notice that EPA continues to send notices of violation to multiple companies for non-compliance with Annual Reporting requirements under the VGP and it is understood that severe financial penalties have been proposed too.

For further information, please view the ECM Maritime Services Client Alert (5 October 2021) in the attachment on the right.

Additional information on the regulation is also available at EPA’s web page.

Category: Pollution