Zeaborn: 100 vessels to be EU Hazardous Compliant

Germany’s Zeaborn Ship Management has contracted Verifavia Shipping and the Korean Register (KR) to perform inventory of hazardous materials (IHM) preparation and certification for over 100 vessels.

The vessels are managed by Zeaborn Ship Management, a consolidation of E.R. Schiffahrt and Rickmers Shipmanagement, and must be IHM compliant to meet the terms of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR) and the Hong Kong (HK) International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.

The HK Convention is aimed at reducing the negative impact of ship recycling on human health and safety, and on the environment. The HK Convention has already been implemented for EU-flagged vessels and vessels from third countries calling at an EU port or anchorage through the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR).
 
The EU SRR prohibits or restricts the installation and use of hazardous materials (like asbestos or ozone-depleting substances) on board ships, as well as making it mandatory for ships to carry on board a certified IHM specifying the location and approximate quantities of those materials.

From 31 December 2018, this applies to new EU-flagged ships and EU-flagged ships going for dismantling, and from 31 December 2020 will affect all existing EU-flagged ships as well as ships flying the flag of a third country and calling at an EU port or anchorage.
 
Verifavia has received approval from KR to act as a service supplier for IHM, meaning that Verifavia can conduct IHM investigations for vessels on their own, and KR will verify and certify their results.
 
Thiemo Ullrich, Senior Vice President Projects & Performance, Zeaborn Ship Management, commented: “Having experienced the verification services provided by Verifavia Shipping in relation to EU MRV and IMO DCS regulations, we have every confidence in their ability to deliver on IHM. We need partners that are knowledgeable, responsive, and reliable – and we trust that the combined Korean Register and Verifavia team can effectively support us as we strive to meet these regulatory requirements and deadlines.”

"Typically, Verifavia’s IHM services involve a process of document collection, onboard sampling check, and laboratory analysis, which is then developed into a report and shared with the class society, in this case the Korean Register, for final onboard cross-checking and certification," he added.

Michael Suhr, Technical and Commercial Director, Korean Register explained: “Under the new regulations, by end of 2020 every ship with an EU Flag or any ship entering EU waters must have on board an inventory of hazardous materials (IHM) verified by a recognised organisation like the Korean Register. We know that our customers want a streamlined, cost effective, efficient and agile solution when it comes to these demanding IHM services. In Verifavia we have found a partner that aligns with our way of working and we are delighted to work with them to support Zeaborn Ship Management in achieving compliance. Moreover, the quality of the IHM reports prepared through Nautilus Log greatly simplifies the certification process.”