Protective Coating to be Mandated to Prevent Corrosion

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF) announced that a coating system for prevention of corrosion should be applied to dedicated seawater ballast tanks in ships with more than 500 GT in international navigation as well as double-side skin spaces arranged in bulk carriers of 150 meters and over in length. These measures will enter into force on July 1, 2008.

These regulations were established in accordance with the amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in December 2006, which mandates the application of the performance standard for protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks on all new ships and of double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers.

Aiming to maintain the ship’s working life for 15 years, the amended Convention stipulates requirements of the coating system: coating thickness, coating technical file for report of coating inspection and repair work, criteria for designation of a testing laboratory, and certification of the coating system.

Accordingly, the MOMAF has prepared a standard for protective coatings with an aim to prevent the corrosion of domestic vessels navigating overseas, and to also maintain hull strength, eventually contributing to enhancing ship safety.

These measures are expected not only to strengthen the safety of ships and reduce costs for maintenance and repair but also to prepare for Port State Control (PSC) when ships call and leave overseas ports.