Ship Safety & Environment

MARPOL 73/78

GL offers technical assistance and support of shipowners regarding the requirements and provisions stipulated in the MARPOL Convention. In respect to "Annex I – oil", "Annex II – chemicals", "Annex IV – sewage" and "Annex V – garbage", GL provides review and approval of the relevant documents, system and equipment drawings, manuals and instructions. We inform you about new and amended regulations developed by IMO (International Maritime Organization) and provide technical assistance in implementing Annex I -12 A not only through design pre-check but also through optimisation for newbuildings as well as for conversions.

Contact: MARPOL Annex I, II, IV, V

Ship recycling

GL offers a smart approach for suppliers, shipyards and shipowners by providing information and tools for the efficient preparation of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). GL supports effective inventory maintenance over the entire life-cycle of the vessel as well the final preparation for the dismantling. Rely on GL's assistance to establish a cost-efficient inventory for new buildings and fleet in service and how to comply with the upcoming "IMO Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships". In addition, GL supports and certifies ship recycling facilities in line with the future IMO convention and the ISO 30000 standards.

Environmental passport

The "environmental passport" is GL's contribution to the improvement of the environmental performance of shipping. It supports the reduction and prevention of environmental impacts by improving maritime environmental protection on a voluntarily basis. GL provides you with the support required to achieve this. GL coordinates and processes single certificates. Acquire competitive advantages in environmentally-sensitive elements of your logistic chain, and ship with technically high-class ships.

Contact: Environmental Passport

Ballast Water Management

The introduction of invasive marine species into new environments by ships' ballast water has been identified as one of the four greatest threats to the world's oceans. Ballast Water Management (BWM) by means of exchange or treatment of the ballast water reduces the probability of introducing harmful aquatic organisms. GL examines and approves BWM plans describing the on-board procedures during the ballast water [process name, e.g. exchange]. Approved BWM plans are a useful tool for the planning of exchange procedures. Ships complying with a specified standard are granted the additional class notation "BWM". A guideline that provides comprehensive information for the preparation of such a Ballast Water Management Plan for on-board use is now available.

Contact: Ballast Water Management (Fleet in Service)
Contact: Ballast Water Management (Newbuildings)

Protective coatings

In 2006 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC). This new coating standard applies to ballast water tanks on newbuildings in all types of ships and is found in the resolution MSC.215(82). With the new standard, technical regulations for the coating of ballast water tanks come into force, as well as inspection and verification terms.

Let GL approve the pre-qualification tests and issuance of a statement of compliance or type approval certificate for coating systems. We check that the technical data sheet and the statement of compliance or type approval certificate comply with this standard. We also check that the coating inspector is qualified in accordance with the qualification standards in the IMO PSPC, which are to be made mandatory through an amendment of the SOLAS convention, settled in the resolution MSC.216(82). GL also supports you in the testing of your coating systems with our product GL CeCoBW and with a specific training for your coating inspectors at our GL academy.

Contact: Protective Coating (PSPC) applies to ballast water tanks

Stability services

GL supports you when you are planning a project at your shipyards or in your design offices – from the pre-planning phase to the vessel delivery. These services cover reviews of the relevant subdivision, damage and intact stability regulations through to SOLAS and MARPOL conventions, HSC, IBC, IGC and MODU codes, IMO Res.A265, ADNR and more. Upon special request, we also provide expert witness services for all kinds of vessels or floating devices. GL clients reap the benefit of being informed about the newest requirements during the vessel-planning phase for newbuildings and conversions.

Contact: Stability (Fleet in Service)
Contact: Stability (Newbuildings)

Emission certificate

Environmental aspects of shipping are becoming increasingly complex, and shipowners are more concerned about these issues than ever before. GL has considerable experience in the assessment of exhaust gas emissions from marine diesel engines, including their measurement, applicable legislation and relevant certification procedures. GL sheds light on the complex issue of the applicable air pollution prevention legislation and provides guidance on how to proceed to achieve the required certificates in due time.

Contact: Exhaust Emission Certification