IMO Resolution A 747/18 on the application of tonnage measurement in segregated ballast oil tankers

The Council regulation seeks to implement International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulation A.722/17 on the application of tonnage measurement of ballast spaces in segregated ballast oil tankers in the Community. These tankers are currently penalised, especially as regards port dues, because they have a higher gross registered tonnage, but the same capacity, as more polluting classical tankers. Content of the regulation: - only oil tankers which comply with the definition of segregated ballast in the MARPOL 73/78 convention qualify and are clearly identified as oil tankers with segregated ballast tanks; - any ship which complies with this definition must be certified as an oil tanker with segregated ballast tanks and mention must be made on its international certificate for the prevention of pollution by hydrocarbons; - the gross registered tonnage will be calculated in accordance with the 1969 international convention on the gross registered tonnage of ships, using a formula set out in the annex to the directive. The figure obtained will be entered under the heading "Remarks" on the international tonnage certificate for the ship by the competent body issuing the certificate; - the authorities which set the fees payable by oil tankers will deduct the tonnage of the segregated ballast tanks from the gross registered tonnage of oil tankers with segregated ballast tanks, as stated under "Remarks" on the ship's international tonnage certificate. Date of entry into force of the Regulation: 1 January 1996.�