LICR issued a maritime advisory 25 of 2025 and the purpose of this Marine Advisory is to draw your attention to the OSPAR 25/14/01, Annex 10 “Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency and Compliance Area in accordance with BWM.2/Circ.62 and MEPC.387(81)”.
➡️ Background
In June 2025, the OSPAR Commission approved an “Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency Area” for ships to conduct ballast water exchange and treatment. This document was referenced as “OSPAR 25/14/01, Annex 10”, wherein the North Sea States Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom have decided to establish an Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency Area for the purpose of Ballast Water Exchange plus Treatment in accordance with BWM.2/Circ.62 and MEPC.387(81). This Contingency Area became applicable on 27 June 2025 and will expire on 26 June 2030, unless extended by the aforementioned States. The map and coordinates of the Contingency Area are subject to review on a yearly basis, as appropriate.
➡️ Scope of Application
The Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency Area is shown on the map in Annex 1, with coordinates listed in Annex 2, of OSPAR 25/14/01, Annex 10 (reference a). Contingency measures are not allowed within 2 nautical miles of offshore structures such as windmills. Additional conditions are outlined in paragraph 9 of OSPAR 25/14/01, Annex 10.
➡️ OSPAR 25/14/01, Annex 10 applies to ships that:
a) according to Regulation B-3 must comply with the standard according to Regulation D-2;
b) are on a voyage between two different North Sea ports;
c) are facing a contingency situation according to BWM.2/Circ.62 or are in challenging water quality according to MEPC.387(81); and
d) have integrated the Interim Guidance MEPC.387(81) in their approved BWMP and implemented the procedures therein on board.
*️⃣ For more information on this Marine Advisory, please contact the Regulations and Standards department at regsandstandards@liscr.com