News and Commentary

31 Dec 2019

News: IMO Sulphur Cap coming into force

The shipping industry has been working tirelessly to ensure it is prepared for the IMO Sulphur Cap and there is a smooth transition on 1 January 2020.

31 Dec 2019

News: Amendments (05-19) to the IMSBC Code

Some contracting governments may apply amendments to the IMSBC Code in whole or in part on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2020.

30 Dec 2019

News: Requirements for the use of scrubbers in Australian waters & reporting to AMSA

Members with ships trading in Australian waters are advised that AMSA has issued a marine notice 05/2019 on the requirements for the use of scrubbers in Australian waters and associated reporting.

30 Dec 2019

News: Use of scrubbers in US Waters

This update outlines the USCG’s methods and procedures for verifying compliance with MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14 (Sulphur Oxides [SOx] and Particulate Matter [PM]) as well as Regulation 18 (Fuel Oil Availability & Quality).

23 Dec 2019

News: New heavy weather guidelines issued by USCG for ships transiting the Aleutian Islands

Ships operating within the Aleutian Islands should be wary of the risks associated with storms

19 Dec 2019

News: Sanctions Update - Ventspils Freeport Authority removed from US sanctions list

19 Dec 2019

Circular: 19 December 2019, Standard Club circular - P&IQ registration now open to all

Please read attached circular.

18 Dec 2019

Article: Sulphur 2020 Compendium - How are individual port states expected to react?

With the new sulphur limits soon to be in force, Standard Club has been investigating the ways in which certain jurisdictions are expected to react to violations.

17 Dec 2019

News: Re-emergence of Polio virus in the Philippines

After 19 years of being polio-free, Polio is re-emerging in the Philippines. As of now there are seven confirmed polio cases nationwide. In line with this unfortunate development, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has now issued a travel advisory for travellers entering and leaving the Philippines.

17 Dec 2019

News: US Sanctions - Freeport Authority of Ventspils, Latvia

On 9 December 2019 the US Treasury Department of Foreign Assets Control announced the designation of several individuals and entities to the Specially Designated Nationals sanctions list under Executive Order 13818.

16 Dec 2019

Focusing on Seafarer Wellbeing - Mental wellbeing

The Standard Club’s ‘people claims’ statistics indicate a clear upward trend of mental health related illnesses. You are never alone; support is only one call away. This poster set focuses on the topic of mental wellbeing, and provides details and information on support networks and services.

12 Dec 2019

Article: Using reports on My Standard Club

Our online members and brokers portal My Standard Club gives access to live reports relevant to your relationship with the club. Sign up today!

11 Dec 2019

Article: Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Scrubber) Guidance

If members elect to comply with the IMO global sulphur cap by fitting scrubbers, they will need to consider a few factors.

11 Dec 2019

News: Update on single-use plastics ban in Indian waters

Further to the club’s previous news item on the single-use plastic ban in Indian waters, members are advised that the Indian Director General of Shipping (DGS) has issued an update on 21 Nov 2019.

3 Dec 2019

News: General strike in France on 5 December 2019

Ahead of potentially significant disruption across France in the coming days, the club's correspondents in Marseilles-Fos have issued advice.

3 Dec 2019

Article: Preparations intensify as IMO 2020 global sulphur cap looms

With less than a month to go for the impending IMO 2020 global sulphur cap, the club has started witnessing dispute cases relating to the measurement of sulphur content in the fuel.

27 Nov 2019

News: Malaysia bans open-loop scrubbers

Malaysia has become the latest country to ban the use of open-loop scrubbers in its waters (12 nautical miles from land).

27 Nov 2019

News: Changes to California's ballast water regulations

Ballast water, while necessary for the safe and efficient operation of commercial ocean-going ships, can also create serious environmental complications if not handled correctly. Studies suggest that in the US alone, the introduction of invasive mollusks (transported in water loaded at one port, which is then discharged at another) into local ecosystems costs more than USD 6 billion per year.

27 Nov 2019

News: Safety Considerations for Ship Operators Related to Risk‐Based Stowage of Dangerous Goods on Containerships

New safety guidance for stowage of dangerous goods on containerships launched by CINS.

26 Nov 2019

News: Risk‐based stowage of dangerous goods on containerships

The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) organisation has produced new industry safety guidance for the stowage of dangerous goods on board containerships.