Marina drafting rules for phaseout of 30-year-old vessels
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is drafting regulations to implement a phaseout of sea vessels that are more than 30 years old to ensure safety in sea travel and modernize the shipping industry.
Lawyer Vicente Suazo Jr.,
In the draft regulations,
Suazo said the move would hopefully revive the local shipbuilding industry, which has suffered a slump with several shipbuilders turning their operations into mere ship repair.
With the upgrading of old vessels, these facilities would get more business, he said.
The Shipping Act of 2004 requires
“All vessels which have attained the maximum vessel age as stipulated by
Suazo said
However, Suazo gave assurance that they will give a transition period of about five years before the vintage vessels are retired.
He said the regulations will also offer “incentives” to shipowners to upgrade their vessels or to buy new ones to ensure the convenience and safety of both cargo and passengers.
The
Congress passed the 2004 Shipping Act after noting that many vessels were already antiquated and ought to be retired for the safety of passengers and cargo. Most of the vessels are said to be between 10 and 30 years old.
Earlier,
Eight tankers that carry black oil are already double-hulled, according to
Suazo said he expects similar vessels to be double-hulled when the deadline nears.
However, tankers carrying “white oil” will be allowed to continue operating, but by 2010 they will also be required to become double-hulled.
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