With effect from 21 August 2024, the Santos Port Authority (APS) will require ships to produce a statement of compliance (AC-BWM) with ballast water regulations from an accredited private company, in addition to the existing requirements under the Ballast Water Management Convention.
- New Regulation: APS issued regulation NAP.SUMAS.OPR.023.2024, mandating that ships must obtain an AC-BWM from a licensed company, indicating compliance with the BWM Convention and other local standards.
- Procedure: Agents must email ballast water documents to the accredited company, which will have 24 hours to issue an AC-BWM for upload on the PSP system. Without an AC-BWM, ships cannot dock.
- Enforcement: Regulation effective from 21 August 2024. Disapprovals can be challenged administratively or judicially.
- Grace Period: For 12 months, ships without a AC-BWM may still enter the port with approval of the authorities.
- Service Providers and Costs: Only one company is currently authorised to issue AC-BWMs, charging between USD 1,400 to USD 1,700. A statement of compliance can be arranged through any local agent who is a member of the local union of shipping agents (Sindamar).
Members with further questions regarding these new regulations are invited to contact the NNPC claims team by e-mail via claims@nnpc.nl.
