New bunkering requirements at Zona Comun - Antares

Vessels bunkering at the Zona Comun anchorage will now have to get Oil Spill Removal Organisation (OSRO) coverage after a ruling by the Argentinian Coast Guard, Antares Ship Agent says.

PHOTO: Vessels at Argentina's Zona Comun anchorage by La Plata. Antares Ship Agents

The estimated cost of the OSRO coverage will be around $2,300 per operation, Antares says.

Its unclear whether vessels that already have OSRO certificates will be required to pay the fees. “Technically, if the vessel already has OSRO on a nationwide basis it should be covered,” Antares tells ENGINE.

The new regulation came into force on 9 June, and have to wait and see how the implementation goes, Antares added.

To qualify for an OSRO certificate, a vessel must have implemented certain preventive measures or have installed equipment to respond to any oil spill incident.

By Nithin Chandran

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