Amendments reflect updated international maritime safety standards

The Government of Hong Kong has announced amendments to nine sets of shipping-related regulations.

According to the Government of Hong Kong, the legislative updates align domestic shipping legislation with three conventions from the International Maritime Organization (IMO): the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention, the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention and the 1973 MARPOL Convention on pollution prevention.

The changes were published in the Government Gazette on May 23 and are intended to improve safety, environmental protection and operational standards across Hong Kong’s maritime sector.

Nine shipping regulations updated to reflect international requirements

The Government of Hong Kong confirmed that the updated rules affect nine legislative instruments under the Merchant Shipping Ordinances (Cap. 369, Cap. 413 and Cap. 548).

These include safety regulations for grain transport, navigation, vessel construction, fire protection, and polar operations, as well as pollution reporting, air pollution control, ballast water management and local vessel rules.

The amendments introduce provisions on the safe carriage of grain cargo, requirements for reporting lost or drifting freight containers, and new measures concerning shipboard lifting equipment.

Environmental and safety protocols strengthened

The Transport and Logistics Bureau stated that the legislative amendments address fire prevention, fire suppression, and requirements for protecting specific compartments on vessels.

Additional provisions also cover navigation planning for ships operating in polar waters and mandate new procedures for packaging, documentation and labelling of dangerous goods.

Fuel-related regulations now require bunker delivery notes for low-flashpoint and gas fuels, along with rules for electronic ballast water record-keeping.

Legislative Council and stakeholders consulted

The Government of Hong Kong said that the proposed changes were tabled for negative vetting in the Legislative Council on May 28.

According to the Government, the Panel on Economic Development, the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee and the Local Vessels Advisory Committee of the Marine Department were consulted on the draft.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau reported that local fuel oil suppliers were also consulted and supported the proposed measures.

A spokesperson for the bureau said: “As an Associate Member of the IMO, Hong Kong is committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to support the protection of the marine environment and the prevention of pollution, as well as to promote safe navigation.

“The proposed legislative amendments will keep our local laws up to date and in line with international standards on those fronts.”

Hong Kong shipping regulations revised for IMO compliance: Summary

The Government of Hong Kong has amended nine shipping regulations under the Merchant Shipping Ordinances.

The amendments align local laws with IMO conventions on safety and pollution control.

The updated regulations address grain carriage, navigation, vessel construction and polar operations.

New rules cover reporting lost freight containers and managing lifting appliances.

Fire prevention and compartment protection standards have been revised.

Dangerous goods handling and documentation procedures have been updated.

Fuel-related requirements include bunker delivery notes and ballast water record verification.

The amendments were tabled for negative vetting in the Legislative Council on May 28.

Stakeholders consulted included legislative committees, advisory bodies and fuel suppliers.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau said the changes align Hong Kong with international maritime standards.