Marine Advisory: 41/2024 - Carriage of Plastic Pellets by Sea in Freight Containers

31 December 2024

Marine Advisory: 41/2024

Subject: Carriage of Plastic Pellets by Sea in Freight Containers

Reference: (a) MEPC.1/Circ.909

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Masters:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to advise Shipowners, Operators and Masters of the recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers provided in reference (a), which were approved at MEPC 81 earlier this year. These recommendations are the first step in a two-stage approach aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in packaged form by sea, pending IMO’s consideration of future mandatory measures for their carriage.

Summary of the Recommendations

1. Plastic pellets should be packed in good quality packaging which should be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading normally encountered during transport. Packaging should be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of content which may be caused under transport normal conditions.

1. Transport information should clearly identify those freight containers containing plastic pellets. Additionally, the shipper should supplement the cargo information with a special stowage request requiring stowage as outlined in item 3 below.

1. Freight containers containing plastic pellets should be properly stowed and secured so as to minimize the hazards to the marine environment without impairing the safety of the ship and persons on board, either under deck wherever reasonably practicable, or inboard in sheltered areas of exposed decks.

The Administration encourages Owners, Operators, and Master’s to implement the above recommendations when their vessels are carrying plastic pellets in packaged form and consider advising the shippers, manufacturers, terminal operators, charterers, and any other parties they work with involved in the maritime transport of plastic pellets in packaged form to take appropriate action.

The Administration also invites Owners and Operators that implement these recommendations to share their experiences with their implementation.

For more information or any questions, please contact the Regulations and Standards department at regsandstandards@liscr.com.

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