PORT OF PORT HEDLAND

MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN

08/2020

Use of Open Loop Scrubbers – Observations and

Recommendations
Issue date: 15 December 2020

General Information:
This Bulletin contains recommendations for vessels using an EGCS (Exhaust Gas Cleaning
System) in the port waters to comply with IMO 2020 emission requirements. This bulletin is
to be read in conjunction with Marine Safety Bulletin 07 / 2019 (IMO 2020 Compliance –
Observations and Recommendations).

Vessels and operators should remain guided by AMSA Marine Notice 05/2019 –
‘Requirements for the use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems in Australian Waters and
reporting to AMSA’ and any other statutory requirements that apply.

Key Objectives:
• Update ship operators about recent incidents related to wash water discharge in
the Port due to the use of Open loop scrubbers in port waters.
• Provide recommendations to ship operators and vessel masters on steps to be
taken in case any visible discharge is reported in the port from their vessel.

General observations:
• There have been reports of some incidents in the inner harbour of visible soot like
discharge on the water surface, which have been traced to the wash water
discharge from vessels using an ‘Open Loop Scrubber’.
• All discharges of this nature are treated as Marine Pollution incidents which
require an emergency response to be initiated.

Telephone: +61-8-91739015 Email: PPAshipman@pilbaraports.com.au Page 1 of 2

 PORT OF PORT HEDLAND
MARINE SAFETY BULLETIN
08/2020

Recommendations:
• Vessel operators should ensure that the vessels EGCS system is type approved and
operated in compliance with applicable requirements. Monitoring devices must be fully
operational and the system should be maintained up to date.
• When alongside, vessel’s must regularly maintain visual watch of the waters surrounding the
vessel especially near the overboard discharge of the EGCS wash water, to ensure that
there is no visible discharge.
• When visible soot like discharge is detected, the vessel must report the same to VTS and
take immediate action to rectify the situation by identifying the source and stopping such
discharge.

Necessary action may be taken if any vessel fails to comply with this bulletin or to promptly stop
any inadvertent discharge emanating from the EGCS system.

Rohan Wadhwa
Deputy Harbour Master (Port Hedland)

Telephone: +61-8-91739015 Email: PPAshipman@pilbaraports.com.au Page 2 of 2