Hong Kong will carry out the international convention on the control of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships later in 2015.

Hong Kong's legislators will discuss the Merchant Shipping (Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships) Regulation (AFS Regulation) March 25, a statement of the Transport and Housing Bureau of Hong Kong said March 20.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Housing Bureau said that the AFS Regulation is aimed to implement the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 in Hong Kong.

The convention was adopted by IMO to prohibit the use of organotin compounds in anti-fouling paints used on ships to protect the marine environment. The convention entered into force internationally Sept. 17, 2008.

The AFS Regulation prohibits ships from applying organotin compounds in their anti-fouling systems. It requires all ships of 400gt and above engaged in international voyages to carry on board an International Anti-Fouling System Certificate issued by the Flag State Administration after satisfactory completion of a survey to demonstrate that the ship is in full compliance with the convention.

As for ships which are less than 400gt but are 24m or more in length engaged in international voyages, they are required to carry a declaration on anti-fouling system signed by the owner or his authorised agent.

The Hong Kong administration also proposes a consequential amendment to the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Fees) Regulation (Cap. 413L) to prescribe fees for survey and certification services rendered by the Marine Department under the AFS Regulation.

The charging of fees for the survey and certification services provided by the Marine Department is based on the cost recovery principle and will have minimal impact on the operating costs of oceangoing vessels.

The spokesman pointed out that stakeholders in the shipping industry, who had been consulted in the preparation of the legislative proposals, were supportive of the proposals for the implementation of the convention.