Open Loop EGCS

Countries and Ports

Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Albania No Restricted Port of Saranda (allowed) Federal Level Federal Level
General Maritime Directorate of Albania As the country is located in Adriatic Sea and the circulation of the water is slower
E‐mail dated 17/04/2021 than other open ports in Mediterranean Sea, the Government of Albania does
(there is no legislation in place yet) not allow the discharge of the washwater generated by the open loop EGCS in
the country territorial waters and ports limits.

Algeria No
Angola No
Antigua & Barbuda Yes
Argentina Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level Federal Level
Prefectura Naval, Dirección de Protección Ambiental División Mercancías y Residuos Peligrosos This resolution took effect from 03/10/2020 and there is the risk that this
Resolution DISFC‐2020‐22‐APN‐DPAM#PNA dated Dirección de Protección Ambiental suspension is provisional as the restrictions have not been permanently
24/09/2020 Prefectura Naval Argentina overturned (Resolution 15/2020 suspended).
E‐mail dated 28/09/2022
Federal Leval (additional consultation)
At present, the application of the Provision that limits water discharges from
Open Loop Scrubbers in national, maritime and fluvial jurisdictions is suspended,
confirming the information that was given in October 2020.

Australia Yes Allowed ‐ Port of Hastings Federal Level Port of Hastings Federal Level
Marine Notice 12/2022 (October 2022) Per Harbor Master's current interpretation of EGCS The use of an EGCS is permitted in Australian waters as an option to comply with
Requirements for the use of exhaust gas cleaning washwater in the context of the Harbor Master the low sulphur fuel requirements of MARPOL Annex VI, as set out in the
systems in Australian waters Directions. Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983, section
26FEGA, provided it is approved by the vessel’s flag State Administration, or a
Sydney Harbour Cruise Ship Emissions recognised organisation appointed by the flag State. The EGCS must also be
Published on AMSA website operated in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO)
requirements, including the 2021 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems
(resolution MEPC.340(77)).

Port of Sydney
Cruise ships capable of accommodating more than 100 passengers in Sydney
Harbour are required to use either low sulphur (maximum 0.10% m/m) fuel or an
alternative measure that achieves an equivalent outcome i.e. EGCS.

Port of Hastings
Discharges from EGCS into Westernport waters are not permitted. This is a more
precautionary restriction on EGCS use based on an overly conservative
interpretation of the port regulations by the harbor master.

Port of Victoria and South Australian Area

Written approval to the use of the EGCS in the Port of Victoria and South
Australian area (e‐mails in the repository).

Azerbaijan Yes
Bahamas Yes

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Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Bahrain No Conditional Federal Level Federal Level
Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Vessels must obtain a permit from the Marine Safety & Environment Protection
Marine Notice: PMA/03/2019 effective from Directorate before discharging washwater anywhere in Bahrain waters.
31/12/2019

Bangladesh Yes Allowed Verbal approval received.

Barbados Yes
Belgium Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Law of 26 March 1971 on the protection of surface The discharge of scrubber wash water is permitted in coastal and open seas from
waters against pollution (transposition of the Water the baseline (where the baseline is defined as the mean low‐low watermark),
Framework Directive in Flanders provided that the discharges comply with IMO Guidelines. The discharge of
http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?l scrubber wash water is not permitted in Belgian ports or inland waters and this
anguage=fr&la=F&cn=1971032632&table_name=loi ban on discharge has nothing to EGCS systems but is an old law that apply to all
discharges.
Belize Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Belize Port Authority Discharge of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Wash Water prohibited in territorial waters
Marine Circular 01/2018 ‐ BPA/MS/23‐1/2018(98) and port areas.
dated 12/12/2018

Benin Yes
Bermuda Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Environmental Policy for Ships Article 3: The maximum allowed sulphur content in fuel for combustion purposes
on a ship is 0.5%. Ships equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) shall
seek the prior approval of the Environmental Authority before its use in
Bermuda’s territorial waters. Washwater and residue from the EGCS shall be not
disposed of in Bermuda or discharged into Bermuda’s waters but shall be stored
on board the ship until outside of Bermuda’s waters.

Bosnia & Herzegovina No

Brazil Yes Allowed Vale Ports Federal Level CSN TECAR Terminal (Itaguaí) Federal Level
CSN TECAR Terminal (Itaguaí) Diretoria de Portos e Costas (DPC) Statement from 23/06/2022 As a result of CSA engagements, the Brazilian Environmental Authority (IBAMA)
Carta Circular 7/2019 dated 22/12/2019 sent a formal letter confirming that the Directorate of Ports and Coasts (DPC) has
the authority to regulate the country's jurisdictional waters.

Vale Ports
Vale recommends that vessels should be changed over to compliant fuel before
entering contiguous zone or coastal waters (24 nautical miles from coastline).

CSN TECAR Terminal (Itaguaí)

Reccommendations and determinations:
‐ to use only Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO) and to not dispose any Scrubber’s Wash
water into the ocean once entering into [contiguous] zones or coastal waters (24
nautical miles from coast line), and
‐ to use only L SFO and to not dispose any Scrubber’s Wash water into the ocean
while navigating or operating in side berths 101,102 and 202.

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Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
British Virgin Islands Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Government of the Virgin Islands Discharging of wash water from open loop mode EGC systems (Scrubber) is
Virgin Islands Shipping Registry prohibited when ships are within BVI waters. This prohibits the discharge of wash
Marine Circular 06/2021 water generated by open loop scrubbers in all jurisdictional waters including,
territorial sea, contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone of BVI.

Brunei Darussalam No
Bulgaria Yes
Cabo Verde No
Cambodia No
Cameroon No
Canada Yes Allowed Port of St. John Port of Vancouver Port of St. John Port of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver Port Information Guide Updated E‐mail from Melissa Williams dated 13/07/2020 The discharge of wash water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) from all
Consideration Report Manager, Marine Operations & Harbour Master fuel combustion running machinery (excluding main engines) into the
environment is not permitted while a vessel is at anchorage or at berth within
the Port of Vancouver. This applies to the wash water from open‐loop, closed‐
loop and hybrid EGCS. It does not apply to inert‐gas scrubbers required by
tankers for cargo operations and safety reasons.

Port of S. John
Only closed loop authorized.
Chile Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level
DIRECTEMAR ‐ Armarda de Chile According to the item 2 of the referred document, there are no restriction to the
D.S Y O.M. Ordinario No. 12.600/666 dated 06/09/2018 use of the open loop scrubbers by the vessels by the Maritime Authority as long
Ref: Consultation OIRS No. 12.529 from 23/08/2018 as they follow the Resolution MEPC. 184(59) from 2009.

China Yes Restricted Port of Hong Kong (conditional) Emission Control Areas (ECAs) Emission Control Areas (ECAs)
Notice on Regulating the Supervision and It is prohibited to discharge into Inland River ECAs, waters of ports in Coastal
Administration of ECAs ECAs and Bohai sea waters the washing water generated from open exhaust gas
HWF [2018] No.555 dated 29/12/2018 cleaning system.
Additional document: Circular PNI 1901 dated
15/01/2019 Hong Kong
Vessels must issue an application to the Hong Kong authorities requesting for an
Hong Kong exemption from using compliant fuel. The exemption application must be made
Air Pollution Control (Fuel for Vessels) Regulation at least 14 days prior to a ship’s first visit to Hong Kong after 1 January 2019.
L.N. 135 of 2018 (B4159)

Colombia Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level

Dirección General Marítima, Autoridad Marítima The Colombian Maritime Authority prohibits the discharge of the washwater
Colombiana from the open loop EGCS within internal waters, territorial sea and the
Circular CR‐20200135 dated 29/07/2020 contiguous Colombian zone and provides that ships carrying hybrid EGCS, while
they are within internal waters, territorial sea and contiguous Colombian zone,
must change to closed loop.

Comoros No
Congo Yes
Cook Islands Yes

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Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Costa Rica No
Cote d'Ivoire No
Croatia Yes Restricted Port of Split Port of Split
Notice from the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Only closed loop allowed.
Infrastructure
Notice from 27/10/2017 Directive of Quality of Liquid Oil Fuels
Article 13, paragraph 1,8: The quantity of sulphur emission from fuel for all
Directive of Quality of Liquid Oil Fuels vessels sailing in Croatian national waters must not exceed 0,50 % (m/m), the
Dated 03/12/2022 SECA areas are excluded from this restriction and for these the limits apply as for
vessels in ports.
Article 13, paragraph 3,4,5: The quantity of sulphur emission from fuel for all
vessels in Croatian ports and anchorage must not exceed 0,10 % (m/m). Vessels
must switch to fuel consumption to the fuel type which is adherent to the
previously mentioned limit within 90 minutes of its declared ATA (actual time of
arrival) and must be properly mentioned in the ships logbook.
3) Article 18, paragraphs 1‐4,6: For all vessels using systems for reducing
emissions, same must be reduced to the limits as declared in the article 13. No
open‐loop systems are to be used which can cause pollution to the air, water or
shoreland.
Cuba No
Cyprus Yes Conditional Federal Level Federal Level
Cyprus Port Authority Ships requiring to use ECGS at Cyprus’ ports or anchorage area must submit a
CPA Regulations of CA 373/2016 Part II written request for assessment and approval by the CPA at least 48 hours prior
to the arrival of the ship. The written request shall provide the following detailed
information:
‐ the location that EGCS will be used (port, anchor); and
‐ the type of EGCS.
Denmark Yes Allowed Copehagen Malmo Port
Communication from Environmental Manager of
Copenhagen Malmo Port (Pia Mai) dated 29/03/2019
which was cancelled because CPM has no authority to
apply such restrictions. E‐mail from Lene Estergaard
from 29/01/2020.

Djibouti No
Dominica No
Dominican Republic No
DPR Korea No
DR Congo No

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Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Egypt No Conditional Suez Canal Suez Canal Authority Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety
(open loop scrubbers is allowed but the Circular 8/2019 E‐mail dated 26/04/2021 The usage of EGCS in territorial waters requires approval of Egyptian
discharge of the washwater is not) Clarification of Circular 8/2019 dated 12/01/2020 Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and Ports Authorities' approval to assess
environmental impacts on marine environment in territorial waters.

Suez Canal Authority

Suez Canal Authority puts no conditions or restrictions on fuel oil or open‐loop
Exhaust Gas Cleaning Sytems until ratification of MARPOL Annex VI by Arab
Republic of Egypt.

Clarification: "Stop open loop cleaning system outboard discharge during

transition of Suez Canal".

El Salvador No
Equatorial Guinea No
Eritrea No
Estonia Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level Federal Level
Maritime Administration E‐mail from Estonian Transport Administration dated Using open‐loop exhaust gas cleaning systems in Estonian ports are not
Circular No. 4 (No. 5‐1‐7/4) dated 21/10/2019 16/02/2021 prohibited, but their washwater must comply with the requirements of the IMO
resolution MEPC.184(59).

Fiji No
Finland Yes Allowed Port of Porvoo Federal level Federal Level
(EGCS not allowed in harbour area) Ministry of Transport and Communication Under Finnish legislation, the discharge of wash waters from open‐loop
E‐mail from Laura Sarlin dated 05/03/2021 scrubbers is allowed in Finnish ports and territorial waters. However, some ports
(at least one) have restricted the discharge in the port area under their own
competence.
France Yes Allowed Not allowed: Federal Level Reunion Federal Level
‐ Cannes Code of Transport Decree No. 84‐810 modified Communication from Harbor Master (no official Restriction to the open loop scrubbers implemented on 01/01/2022 with 4,000
‐ Marseille Change of Division 213 during 07/07/2021 session document yet) Euros fine for the non‐compliant ships.
‐ Le Havre
‐ Cherbourg Cannes Dunkirk Cannes
‐ Reunion Cannes Bay Sustainability Charter Notification received by DFDS on 04/05/2021 Restriction applied to the cruise ships only.
‐ Dunkirk
Marseille, Le Havre, Cherbourg Marseille, Le Havre, Cherbourg
French Code of Transports (Code de Transports), article https://codes.droit.org/PDF/Code%20des%20transports.pdf
R5333‐28

Gabon Yes
Gambia No

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Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Georgia No Allowed Federal Level Federal Level Federal Level
Harbour Rules Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of The article 75 of “Harbour Rules” (which is main legal act regulating the safety
Georgia and environmental standards in all Georgian ports) doesn’t allow to discharge
E‐mail from the First Deputy Director dated 16/04/2021 overboard any oily mixtures, sewage, garbage, chemical substances or dirty
waters within the ports limits.

Territorial waters: national legislation doesn’t exactly mention the washwater

from EGCS, however state environmental services have imposed heavy fines on
discharge of any kind of solid or liquid which may cause pollution/discoloration
the sea water. That’s why they suggest to avoid discharge of washwaters
overboard.

This case is similar to Mexico as the washwater from the open loop scrubbers
does not fall into the category of pollutant and it is not correct to apply fines
based on a recommendation where the legislation is not 100% clear.

Germany Yes Conditional ‐ Inland waterways (restricted) Federal Level Port of Kiel Federal Level
‐ Canals (restricted) Discharge conditions for washing water from exhaust E‐mail from the Harbour Master dated 02/07/2021 Restrictions apply to all inland waterways intended for general traffic except for
‐ Port of Kiel (restricted) gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) in German waters the German part of Lake Constance and the stretch of the Rhine upstream of
‐ Port of Hamburg (restricted) (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency) dated Rheinfelden.
‐ Port of Rostock (restricted) 24/07/2018
CDNI signed in Strasbourg on 09/09/1996 (effective The operator of the scrubber must present evidence that the washwater is in line
from 01/11/2009) with the IMO Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (MEPC Res 184/59),
and in case caustic soda is used that the PH value is not over 0,8, a scrubber can
Ports of Hamburg and Rostock be used in the EEZ.
Infosheet Hamburg Port Authority dated 20/08/2019
Port of Kiel
Use of open loop scrubber in the port of Kiel is allowed while ship is in motion
and forbidden while ship is alongside berth. While moving (maneuvering):
allowed / Safely moored: forbidden.

Ports of Hamburg and Rostock

The discharge of washwater from a scrubber into the river Elbe and in the Ports
of Hamburg and Rostock is strictly prohibited.
Ghana Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level Federal Level
Ghana Maritime Authority Ghana Maritime Authority The washwater generated by the open loop EGCS is NOT allowed in Ghana port
Official document dated 18/05/2020 E‐mail dated 19/04/2021 limits and territorial waters.

Gibraltar Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level

Gibraltar Port Authority The Ministry of Environment and informed that for the time being the use of
E‐mail dated 28/11/2015 open loop scrubber systems is prohibited in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.
The Department of the Environment is applying the precautionary principle to
discharges into the aquatic environment.

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Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Greece Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level
Marine Environment Protection Directorate “Wash water resulting from exhaust gas cleaning systems which make use of
Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy chemicals, additives, preparations and relevant chemical created in situ",
E‐mail signed by Captain HCG, MARAGOS Georgios referred to in point 10.1.6.1 of Resolution MEPC.184(59), shall not be discharged
Ref. No: 2263.1‐7/26287/2021 dated 12/04/2021 into the sea, including enclosed ports, harbours and estuaries, unless it is
demonstrated by the ship operator that such wash water discharge has no
significant negative impacts on and do not pose risks to human health and the
environment. If the chemical used is caustic soda it is sufficient that the
washwater meets the criteria set out in Resolution MEPC.184(59) and its pH does
not exceed 8,0."

Grenada No
Guatemala Yes
Guinea No
Guinea‐Bisssau No
Guyana Yes
Haiti No
Honduras Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level
Dirección General de la Marina Mercante The discharge of washwaters produced by this system is not prohibited, as long
E‐mail dated 24/03/2021 as the ship complies with the Resolution MEPC.259(68), adopted by the
correspondent IMO Committee.

Iceland Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level

Environment Agency of Iceland According to Annex II in Icelandic regulation No. 124/2015, the washwater
E‐mail dated 22/03/2021 discharge criteria of MEPC.184(59) applies. Washwater from exhaust gas
cleaning systems using "relevant" chemicals shall not be discharged into the sea,
https://ust.is/search/?query=regluger%C3%B0+nr.+124 incl. in enclosed harbors and estuaries, unless it is demonstrated by the ship
%2F2015 operator that such washwater discharge has no significant negative impacts on
and does not pose risks to human health and the environment. If the chemical
used is sodium hydroxide, it is sufficient that the washwater meets the criteria
set out in Resolution MEPC.184(59) and that the pH does not exceed 8,0.

India Yes Allowed Adani Ports

The restriction in Adani Ports was revoked by the Circular
APSEZL/Marine/18/2020 dated 05/11/2020.

Indonesia Yes Allowed Verbal approval received.

Iran Yes
Iraq Yes

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Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Ireland Yes Allowed ‐ Port of Dublin Port of Dublin Shannon Foynes Port
‐ Port of Waterford Notice to Mariners No. 26/2021 dated 01/01/2021 Where EGCS are operational on vessels, those of the closed loop type only are
‐ Port of Cork permitted within the portlimits of the Shannon Estuary.
‐ Port of Bantry Port of Waterford
‐ Shannon Foynes Port Marine Notice 01/2019 dated 02/01/2019

Ports of Cork and Bantry

Notice to Marines 15/2018 dated 12/01/2018

Shannon Foynes Port

Port Information Guide dated March 2021

Israel No Allowed Israeli Ports Ports Limits Federal Level Federal Level
State of Israel Ministry of Transport and Road Safety Open loop scrubbers are allowed in territorial waters and ports limits.
Administration of Shippings and Ports Administration of Shipping & Ports
MP 27 dated 11/01/2023 E‐mail dated 30/03/2021 Ports Limits
The new regulations prohibits the use of fuel oil with a Sulphur content of more
than 0.1 0 per cent when mooring alongside port or in anchorage ports limit area
—unless an EGCS is fitted. Carrying non‐compliant fuel on board as from 23 of
February 2023 on ships which are not fitted with EGCS, will be subject to port
State control actions.

Italy Yes Allowed Federal level

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Coast Guard
Headquarters
Safety of Navigation Department
Circular “Navigation Safety” No.132/2017/Rev.1, as
amended 19/12/2019
Jamaica Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level
Harbour Master of Jamaica Port Authority There is no objection to vessels calling at our ports using Exhaust Gas Cleaning
Captain Hopeton DeLisser Systems ( open loop scrubbers) that are approved by Class. Most important is
E‐mail dated 31/12/2019 that an accurate log of EGCS use is maintained and is available for inspection by
our PSC officers from the Maritime Authority of Jamaica.

Japan Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism 1. Scrubbers enable to mitigate potential risks to human health by reducing
(MLIT) harmful substances; not only SOx and PM, but also PAHs and other materials
Wash water discharge from open‐looped Sox scrubber that would otherwise be emitted into the atmospheric air.
system 2. Japanese government assessed the potential risks to marine environment by
Document dated 19/02/2019 discharged water from scrubber.
3. Japan concluded that the discharge water with chemical substances such as
SOx, PAHs and heavy metals can NOT cause unacceptable effects either on the
marine organisms or on the seawater quality around Japan.
4. Therefore, Japan is of the position that there would NOT be a scientific
justification to prohibit the use of openlooped scrubber, as long as the IMO’s
discharge criteria were met.

Jordan Yes Allowed

8
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Kenya Yes Allowed Port Limits Federal Level Federal Level
Republic of Kenya 7.1. The discharge of wash‐water from open‐loop scrubbers is prohibited in
Kenya's National Guidelines for Implementation of IMO the Kenyan Ports limits. This is to maintain the standard of Kenya marine water
2020 December 2019 quality.
7.2 While in the port of Mombasa, ships fitted with hybrid type of scrubbers shall
switch to the closed‐loop mode of operation. Ships fitted with open‐loop
scrubbers shall switch over to compliant fuel oil.

Kiribati Yes
Kuwait Yes
Latvia Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level
Maritime Administration of Latvia According to national legislation there are no restrictions on discharge of wash
E‐mail dated 17/02/2021 water from open loop scrubber systems in Latvia (within the territorial sea of
Latvia).
Port of Riga
Harbour Master Port of Riga Port of Riga
E‐mail dated 16/02/2021 There are no special rules regulating operation of class approved exhaust gas
cleaning system operation in port of Riga, therefore discharge of washwater
generated by the open loop EGCS is allowed in the port.

Lebanon No
Liberia Yes
Libya No
Lithuania Yes Allowed Port of Klaipeda Port of Klaipeda
Deputy Harbour Master of Klaipeda Port Lithuanian legislation allows to use the EGCS open loop wash water discharges in
E‐mail dated 18/02/2021 with reference to the Lithuanian EEZ as well, at the port of Klaipeda, those using the sodium hydroxide
Lithuanian legislation (caustic soda) as a main reagent. The pH according to Order of Lithuanian III
ministers 2014 ‐06‐ 25 No. 1‐170/D1‐562/3‐257‐(E) and EU directives
https://e‐ (MEPC.184(59)) strictly has to be less then pH 8.0 in the discharged wash water.
seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.389888/asr The discharge of the wash water of the EGCS using the all other alternative
chemical reagents is strictly prohibited at LTU areas, meaning that in the case of
Deputy Harbour Master of Klaipeda Port the EGCS mounted with the wash water system using the active reagents
E‐mail dated 19/02/2021 confirming the authorization alternative to sodium hydroxide has to use CLOSED LOOP at the LTU areas.

The Lithuanian legislation allows to use the open loop scrubbers wash water
discharges in Lithuanian EEZ as well, at the port of Klaipeda, only if those using
the sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) as a main reagent and pH has to be strictly
less than 8.0 in the discharged wash water. All other chemical reagents
alternative to sodium hydroxide is strictly prohibited at LTU areas and has to use
CLOSED LOOP method.

Madagascar Yes
Malaysia Yes Restricted Ships transiting the Malacca Strait are Federal Level Federal Level
permitted to use EGCS unless en route to Marine Department Malaysia Prohibits the use of open loop scrubbers within 12 nautical miles from land.
a Malaysian port. Malaysia Shipping Notices (MSN 07/2019 and 08/2019) ‐ Vessels calling at Malaysian ports must operate in closed loop mode or change
12/11/2019 and 05/12/2019 over to compliant fuel before arrival. MSN 08/2019 brought clarifications to the
previous one and the expection to the ships transiting the Malacca Strait.

9
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Maldives No
Malta Yes Allowed Regulations may vary from port to port Federal Level Federal Level
and it is important to check each one Transport Malta The Directorate wishes to remind all concerned of the requirements set out in
individually. Merchant Shipping Notice 161/2020 dated 02/09/2020 MARPOL Annex VI and Directive (EU) 2016/802 limiting the sulphur content of
marine fuels to 0.1% whilst operating in emission control areas, and the global
sulphur limit of 0.5%, that became effective from 1 January 2015 and 1 January
2020 respectively; as well as regulating the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems.

Marshall Islands Yes Allowed Federal Level

Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs
E‐mail dated 05/12/2018

Mauritania No
Mauritius No Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, 3.9 However, (except in the case of innocent passage), ships proceeding to
Fisheries and Shipping Mauritius or other islands forming part of the territory of Mauritius that use
Merchant Shipping Notice 2 of 2019 high sulphurfuel oil (HSFO) in combination with open‐loop scrubber shall
Implementation of IMO 2020 0.50% Global Sulphur Cap, changeover from HSFO to compliant fuel oil whenever they enter the territorial
01/10/2019 waters of Mauritius i.e. within 12 nms from the shore. Environmental legislation
presently inforce in Mauritius prohibits the discharge of wash water from open‐
loop scrubber.
Mexico No Allowed Federal Level Federal Level Federal Level
Ley de Navegación Y Comercio Marítimos Secretaría de Marina It is prohibited the unloading, spilling, dumping or any equivalent act, ballast,
Nueva Ley publicada en el Diario Oficial de la Electronic Mail No. 1028/2021 dated 25/05/2021 debris, garbage, sewage, as well as any element in any state of matter or energy
Federación el 1 de junio de 2006 (última reforma that causes or may cause harm to life, ecosystems and marine resources, to
publicada DOF 07‐12‐2020) Federal Level human health or the legitimate use of the navigable waterways and the high seas
Secretaria de Marina that surround the Mexican marine areas. As there were no clear reference to
Ofício 2112/2021 dated 03/09/2022 scrubbers, CSA considered Mexico as allowed.
(it does not refer to the federal legislation)
Federal Level (no clear reference)
According to the Ofício 2112/2021 issued by the Mexican Marine Secretariat and
due to the fact that Mexico is not a signatory of the MARPOL Annex VI, the use of
the open loop scrubbers is not authorized in the territorial waters despite some
of the ports are still accepting the discharge of the washwater without any major
issues. In case it is not possible to switch to closed loop, the authority
recommends that the any discharge water must be kept on board. Any and all
discharge water from the scrubbers would then need to be unloaded to shore via
a certified contractor, and as per guidance from the General Laws for Prevention
and Integral Management of Residue and also the Laws on Sea Discharge. It is
this contractor who would be tasked to manage the discharge of the scrubbers
on shore.

Micronesia No
Monaco Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté Prevention of pollution of the atmosphere by ships and supplementing certain
Sovereign Ordinance No.7004 of 20/07/2018 provisions of the Code of the Sea

10
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Montenegro Yes Restricted Port of Kotor Port of Kotor
Per communication from Harbor Authority Use of EGCS prohibited within Kotor Bay (i.e. from the first headland in).
(no official documentation yet)

Morocco Yes Port of Casablanca (restricted) Port of Casablanca Port of Casablanca

Director of Port Policy and Regulations The discharge of the washwater generated by the open loop EGCS is Not allowed
National Ports Agency in the Port of Casablanca (harbour limits/waiting anchorage and chenal acces).
E‐mail dated 27/05/2022 The use of alternatives sollutions is strongly favored.

Mozambique No Allowed Port Areas (restricted) Port of Maputo Port of Maputo

Harbour Master a) Open loop scrubbers are allowed in the Mozambique territorial waters as long
E‐mail dated 18/03/2021 as they are working properly and following all the regulations. I am waiting on
the link to the legislation to have it included in our data repository (hopefully
Nacala Port more updated).
Chief Operating Officer b) Within ports, estuaries or bays where the water salinity values fall from the
E‐mail dated 22/03/2021 with reference standard ones considered for salt water (1,025 or more), falling into brackish or
Decree 45/2006 ‐ Regulamento Marinho e Costeiro sweet water category, OLS are not allowed and the ships must operate using
MGO.

Nacala Port
The discharge of the washwater is not allowed in the Nacala Port according to
the Decree 45/2006.
Myanmar No Allowed
Namibia No
Nauru No
Netherlands Yes Allowed
New Zealand No Conditional Auckland Federal Level Auckland Federal Level
Canterbury Region Ministry of the Environment, guidance on the use of Harbor Master interpretation that the discharge of All ships carrying scrubbers and operating in New Zealand’s territorial waters
Marlborough Region exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) for ports, EGCS washwater is considered a violation of Clauses 15, engage with the relevant port and regional authorities, and as a precautionary
regional authorities and ships revised on 19/05/2020 15A, 15B and 15C of the Resource Management Act. measure that where possible they avoid discharging scrubber effluent close to
(no official legislation) shore by utilizing alternate options such as:
Marlborough Region a) preparing for entry into New Zealand waters by carrying compliant low sulphur
Canterbury Region Harbour Master (Luke Grogan) fuel in order to use this when operating in sensitive environments, as identified
Guidance to Ship Operators, Industry and Port E‐mail dated 22/01/2020 by the relevant regional authorities.
Companies b) operating closed loop scrubber functionality in zero discharge mode and
Environment Cantebury ‐ Regional Council retaining any effluent on board until able to dispose of at the next available port
facility.
c) discharging any open loop scrubber washwater outside territorial waters.

Nicaragua No

11
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Nigeria Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Nigerian Ports Authority Use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) as an equivalence abatement
Notice to Mariners / Public Notice No. 4148 measure under MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 4.1 is acceptable, provided it is
approved by a Recognised Organisation (RO) in accordance with the IMO
guidelines within MEPC.259(68). Please note that while within the nation’s
territorial waters, ships fitted with hybrid type of scrubbers shall switch to the
closed‐loop mode of operation, while ships fitted with open‐loop scrubbers shall
switch over to complaint fuel oil as discharge of its wash‐water (scrubber sludge)
is prohibited within the nation’s waterways and by extension all the Pilotage
Districts.
Niue Yes
Norway Yes Allowed The World Heritage Fjords Federal Level Federal Level
Port of Eidfjord Norwegian Maritime Authority’s Regulation Ships in the world heritage fjords shall use either fuel with a low sulphur content,
Port of Stavanger Section 14B, dated 01/01/2019 an approved closed loop exhaust gas cleaning system or an approved hybrid
exhaust gas cleaning system in closed loop mode. Ships using an exhaust gas
Port of Eidfjord cleaning system to meet the sulphur requirement are required to use a device
Port Regulation for reducing visible emissions to air.

Port of Stavaner Port of Eidjford

Port Handbook Only closed loop allowed.
Oman No Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Marine Notice No. 09/2020 1. Ships that use open‐loop ship exhaust gas‐ cleaning systems is prohibited from
R. No. MOTCIT/Maritime/D.G/236/2020 discharging washing water into Omani ports and territorial waters.
Dated 06/11/2020 2. Ships that use hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems must switch from the open
loop mode to the closed loop mode when they reach the territorial waters and
keep the washing residues on board and dispose of them in the designated
facilities at the port.
3. Ships using closed‐loop exhaust gas cleaning systems must be keep the
washing residues onboard when they reach territorial water and dispose of it at
designated facilities at the port.

Pakistan No Allowed Port of Karachi Federal Level Federal Level

Port of Bin Qasim Ministry of Maritime Affairs The discharge of wash‐water from open‐loop scrubbers is prohibited in Port.
Ports & Shipping Wing While in the Port, vessels fitted with hybrid type of scrubbers should switch to
Circular No. 0012020 dated 08/01/2020 the closed‐loop mode of operation. As for vessels fitted with open‐loop
scrubbers, they would need to switch over to compliant fuel instead. It would be
advisable to carry out the switch to either closed‐loop mode or to compliant fuel
well in advance of the vessel’s arrival at the port waters, so that any operational
issues can be identified and. dealt with before the ship arrival in Pakistani
waters.

12
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Panama Yes Allowed Panamá Canal Panamá Canal Authority Panamá Canal Authority
Canal de Panamá Notice to Shipping No. N‐1‐2020 The use of open loop scrubbers or hybrid scrubbers in open loop mode is
dated 01/01/2020 prohibited in Panama Canal waters. Vessels opting to use closed loop scrubbers
or hybrid scrubbers in closed/ zero discharge mode shall submit documents to
the panama‐canal authority as detailed in section 31 E. As much of the Panama
Canal transit is in fresh or brackish water, open loop mode would not normally
be as effective and would not normally be used.

Papua New Guinea No

Peru Yes
Philippines Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level
Philippines Maritime Safety Service As of now, there is no provision prohibiting the discharge of wastewater from
Eng. Maria Serena C. Casas, Maritime Safety Inspection open loop ECGS.
Division
E‐mail dated 19/03/2021
Poland Yes Allowed Port of Dansk Port of Dansk
Krysztof Zalesski, Marketing and International Relations There are no restriction to the use of the open loop scrubbers in either of the
Specialist Polish ports: Gdansk, Gdynia and Szczecin.
E‐mail dated 18/04/2019

Portugal Yes Allowed ‐ Port of Aveiro Federal Level Federal Level

‐ Port of Leixões Decree‐Law no. 170‐B / 2014 dated 07/11/2014 Although the Decree‐Law no. 170/B/2014 allows the use of the open loop
‐ Port of Lisbon scrubbers as an alternative option to the compliant fuel, the ports'
‐ Port of Sines Ports Regulations administrations can go beyond the federal regulation and apply additional
restrictions. Use of open loop scrubbers are not allowed from entry of the ship
into the port, along the port channel and at berth (moored), until the ship leaves
the port. Only closed loop operation is allowed.

Qatar No Restricted Federal Level Federal Level

Qatar Petroleum MIC [Mesaieed Industrial City] “Also, as per Qatari Environmental Law, wash water originated from the open
Port Information and Regulations Guide loop scrubbers, containing chemicals and /or metals are PROHIBITED to be
January 2020 discharged in Qatari waters.”

Romania Yes Allowed Port limits Federal Level Federal Level

Romanian Naval Authority There is no restriction of using open‐loop EGCS into Romanian territorial water
E‐mail dated 30/03/2021 but it’s use is forbidden within port limits.

Russian Federation Yes Allowed Administration of the Baltic Sea Ports Administration of the Baltic Sea Ports
E‐mail f 17/03/2021 The current legislation does not provide for a ban on the operation of vessels
with an open‐type exhaust gas cleaning system, with the discharge of flushing
St. Petersburg Port liquid.
Harbour Master, Aleksandr Volkov
E‐mail dated 23/03/2021 St. Petersburg Port
The discharge of washing water from open type scrubbers in the seaport of
Bolshoy Port of St. Petersburg is not prohibited. The scrubber must be of an
approved type.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Yes

Saint Lucia Yes

13
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Samoa Yes
Sao Tome & Principe No
Saudi Arabia Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level
Saudi Ports Authority Per Articles 76 and 87 of the Saudi national legislation, Saudi Arabia accepts the
Circular No.(55) 2020 effective from 01/01/2020 discharge wash water parameters as per section 10 of IMO RESOLUTION
MEPC.259(68). Also, regarding EGCS slop residue stored onboard, please note
that Saudi Arabia currently does not have reception facilities for such residue.

Scotland Yes Allowed Port of Firth of Forth & Tay Port of Forth & Tay Port of Forth & Tay
Notice to Marines No 45 of 2019 As a precaution the use of open look scrubbers on the Forth and Tay is
Dated 02/12/2019 prohibited until further notice.

Senegal No
Seychelles Yes
Sierra Leone Yes Allowed Federal Level Harbour Master Federal Level
Sierra Leone Ports Authority E‐mail dated 30/07/2021 With the implementation at July 15, the ships have to follow the new local rules
Letter SLPA/GM/06/07/2021/1 dated 06/07/2021 which are:
‐ Usage of fuel oils with a sulfur content of 0.5 percent m/m or lower
‐ Usage of an approved equivalent means of compliance such as EGCS but closed
loop system only
‐ Usage of non‐fuel oil alternatives such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Usage of open loop scrubber is prohibited

Payment of an IMO Service charge called ‘Vessel Compliance Certificate’ valid for
7 days only
Penalty charge of USD 15,000 ‐ per case by non‐compliance with the above rules
(grace period is from July 15 to August 31, 2021)

E‐mail from Harbour Master

If the Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (open loop scrubbers) meets all the
requirements recommended in the technical instruments provided by the IMO ‐
MSC, then the ship will be allowed to use it in Sierra Leone. We will be more
relaxed with our enforcement measures until 2023.

Singapore Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) The discharge of wash water from scrubbers operating in open‐loop mode is
Port Maritime Circular No. 19 dated 27/11/2019 prohibited within the Singapore port limits from 1 January 2020. This does not
apply to ships transiting the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) without calling into
the Port of Singapore.
Slovenia Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level Federal Level
"Water Act" (Official gaz. no. 67/02) in detail: the Slovenian Maritime Authority The discharge of washwater of open‐loop EGCS is prohibited, furthermore even
Article 66, paragraph 4. E‐mail dated 23/03/2021 the use of an open‐loop EGCS in Slovenian waters is prohibited (only closed‐loop
EGCS is allowed).

Water Act
Article 66 (navigational practices related to water pollution)
(4) Waste water generated on vessels shall be prohibited from being discharged
into waters directly from vessels, except for unpolluted cooling water.

14
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Solomon Islands No
Somalia No
South Africa Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level
South African Maritime Safety Authority The acceptance of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) as an equivalent
Marine Notices No. 8 and 9 of 2019 arrangement under Regulation 4 of MARPOL Annex VI for compliance with the
Marine Notice No. 42/2020 dated 07/09/2020 sulphur limit is currently based on the criteria stipulated in the 2015 Guidelines
for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (resolution MEPC.259(68)).

South Korea Yes Allowed Federal Level Federal Level

Korean Register Technical Information Notice No.: 2020‐ 1. From 1st September 2020, ships at berth or at anchor will be required to use
ETC‐06 fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.10%. Fuel changeover is to be within 1
Dated 09/07/2020 hour of completing anchoring/mooring and compliant fuel must continue to be
used until 1 hour before heaving anchor/deberthing.
2. From 1st January 2022, changeover to 0.10% low sulphur fuel is to be
ompleted at entry into the SECA and use of compliant fuel must continue while
the vessel remains inside the SECA.
3. Alternatively, EGCS (Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems) compliant with MARPOL
requirements can be used providing the reduction in SOx emission is as least as
effective as using 0.10% sulphur fuel. There are no restrictions on overboard
washwater discharges from open‐loop scrubbers.

ECA Ports:
Beginning Jan 01 2022, use of 0.1% sulphur fuel, or alternate means of
compliance, is mandatory in the Korea ECA.
‐ Inchon area
‐ Pyeongtaek & Dangjin area
‐ Yeosu & Gwangyang area
‐ Busan area
‐ Ulsan & Onsan area

Spain Yes Allowed Conditional: Transcoma Notice Port of Bilbao

‐ Port of Bilbao Use of EGCS restricted within port limits. Documentation must be submitted and
‐ Port of Cadiz Port of Cadiz approved by the harbor master before EGCS can be used in port.
E‐mail from the Head of the Safety and Environment
Restricted: Unit dated 25/08/2021 Port of Cadiz
‐ Port of Cadiz The open loop scrubbers are not allowed in the ports administrated by the APBC.
‐ Port of Algeciras Port of Gijón
‐ Port of Cartagena E‐mails from the Head of the Commercial Division Canary Islands
‐ Port of Huelva dated 13/05/2021 and Port Authority from 14/05/2021 Clarification from the Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife port authorities
‐ Port of Barcelona (at berth) conservatively applying the Spanish Ports Law.
‐ Canary Islands
‐ Port of Gijón Port of Gijón
The discharge of the washwater is not allowing in the Puerto de Gijón and that
the scrubbers can be used only while anchoring.

Sri Lanka No
St. Vincent & Grenadines Yes
Sudan No

15
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Suriname No
Sweden Yes Allowed ‐ Port of Trelleborg Ports Regulations Port Oxelösund Petroport, Stenungsund
‐ Petroport E‐mail from the CEO of the port dated 21/05/2021 Section 12 of harbour regulations states that “vessels calling at the Port are not
‐ Port of Stenungsund allowed to use Open‐loop System for scrubbers”.
‐ Port of Gothenburg Port of Visby
‐ Port Oxelösund E‐mail from the Head of Cruise dated 18/05/2022 Port of Trelleborg
‐ Port of Stockholm (not written) Paragraph 29 :“…nor is it permitted to discharge scrubber water from onboard
treatment plants into the harbour basin”

Port of Gothenburg
Item 8.10: It is not permitted to discharge contaminated water within the port
area. Scrubbers used for exhaust gas cleaning are only peritted if operated in
close loop mode.

Port Oxelösund
Open loop generated washwater is not allowed within the port bassin.

Port of Visby (allowed)

Th i l ti i t th di h f th h t
Syrian Arab Republic Yes
Tanzania No
Thailand No Restricted
Timor‐Leste No
Togo No
Tonga Yes
Trinidad & Tobago Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level Federal Level
Shipping Notice SN5‐2019 Trinidad and Tobago Port Authority Discharging of EGCS Wash water:
Ministry of Works and Transport E‐mail dated 10/12/2021 1. The Discharging of wash water from open loop mode EGC systems (Scrubber)
Maritime Services Division is prohibited when ship is within limit of Port of Port‐of‐Spain including the
Dated 19/07/2019 anchorage area.
2. Discharging of wash water from open loop mode EGC systems (Scrubber) into
Trinidad and Tobago territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is not
permitted unless it can be proven that the discharge of wash water complies
with the IMO 2015 guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (MEPC.259(68))
and there is no negative impact on marine ecosystems.

Shipping Notice SN5‐2019

Where EGCS are being utilized within Trinidad and Tobago waters, washwater
discharges shall be authorized by the Maritime Services Division. Washwater
monitoring should be continuous and shall include the parameters pH, PAH,
turbidity and temperature and where discharge occurs, the washwater shall be in
compliance with the limits set out in Resolution MEPC. 259 (68) or applicable
MARPOL Guidelines.

Tunisia Yes

16
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
Turkey Yes Restricted Federal Level Federal Level E‐mail from Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure In our country, there aren’t restrictions or prohibitions regarding the discharge of
Circular E‐84973951‐140.99‐698452 E‐mail dated 11/03/2021 open loop wash water and scrubber types. However, it will be banned by the
Dated 06/04/2021 Ministry of Environment and Urbanization in the near future. For this reason, we
don’t recommend the discharge of open loop wash water into the sea.

Circular from Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure

It is prohibited to discharge scrubber washing water into the sea in our country's
territorial waters.

Tuvalu Yes
Ukraine Yes
United Arab Emirates Allowed ‐ Port of Fujairah Port of Fujairah Port of Fujairah
‐ Port of Dubai Notice to Mariners No. 252 dated 22/01/2019 EGCS is prohibited. Ships will have to use compliant fuel once the IMO 2020
sulphur cap comes into force.
Port of Dubai
Guidelines for Vessels Calling to Dubai Territorial Port of Dubai
Waters The use of EGCS is prohibited within Dubai territorial waters.
United Kingdom Yes Allowed ‐ Royal Portbury Dock (conditional) Bristol Port Company General Guidelines General Guidelines
‐ Port of Felixstowe (restricted) Notice to Mariners 2 of 2020 dated 01/01/2020 E‐mail from MCA dated 27/03/2019 Local ports and harbours have the right to impose stricter water quality
‐ Bristol Port Company (restricted) requirements to any transport or industrial sector, including ship operations, in
‐ Cromary Firth Port (restricted) Cromarty Firth Port Royal Portbury Dock order for their region to meet water quality requirements under the Water
Notice to Mariners No. 11‐2022 dated 15/03/2022 E‐mail from the Marine Admin of The Bristol Port Framework Directive.
Company dated 26/03/2021
Royal Portbury Dock
Port of Felixstowe Open loop scrubbers are allowed with permission of harbour authority on case
E‐mail from the Harbour Master dated 28/05/2021 by case basis.

Port of Felixstowe
"The use of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS or ‘scrubbers’) is permitted
within HHA’s area of jurisdiction provided that they are fully functioning and
certified as meeting IMO standards. Where hybrid‐type scrubbers are fitted they
should be used in closed‐mode whilst in port."

Bristol Port Company

Open loop scrubber systems (or hybrid scrubber systems operating in open loop
mode) will not be permitted to be used in the enclosed environments of
Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Docks. Vessels are requested to switch to the
appropriate low sulphur fuel, in accordance with the regulations prior to arrival
at the port.

Cromarty Firth Port

In order to ensure best practice in meeting the Habitats (Directive 92/43/EEC)
and Water Framework Directive (Directive 2008/105/EC) Vessels entering port
limits should:
(a) Switch EGCS’s off or to a closed loop mode, thus stopping any discharge of
wash waters to the marine environment.
(b) Wh l dl t i t t h i ll ibl th l h ld
Uruguay Yes

17
Open Loop EGCS
Countries and Ports
Updated on 16 March 2023

MARPOL Annex Open Loop Wash

Country Exceptions Official Public Announcement Other Announcement or Information Additional Information
VI Ratified? Water Discharge
USA Yes Allowed ‐ Ports of California Ports of California Ports of California
‐ Ports of Connecticut California Air Resource Board (CARB Marine Notice 1‐ The regulations prohibits the use of scrubbers. However, the use of alternative
‐ Port Everglades 2020) means of compliance such as scrubbers may be allowed if a Temporary
‐ Ports of Hawaii (conditional) Experimental or Research Exemption has been given, as per CARB MN 2017‐1. A
‐ Port of Seattle Ports of Connecticut reminder of the requirements was issued on 21/01/20 at CARB MN 2020‐1.
‐ U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) dated 28/13/2013
Ports of Connecticut
Port Everglades Section 6.5.9 of the 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) confirms that discharge of
Port Everglades Harbor effective 25/01/2020 wash water into Connecticut waters from any vessel covered under the VGP or
Item 1015 of Port Everglades Tariff No.12 small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) is prohibited.

Ports of Hawaii Port Everglades

Vessel General Permit for Disharges Incidential to the The discharge of ballast water and a ship engine exhaust scrubber washwater
Normal Operations of Vessels (VGP) ‐ 28/03/2013 effluent from a vessel in Port Everglades harbor is prohibited unless performed in
conformance with Chapter 27, Pollution Control, Article V, 27‐193(b)(3)a., of the
Port of Seattle Broward County Code of Ordinances.
Port of Seattle Terminals Tariff No. 5, Item 4001
Ports of Hawaii
U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries Section 6.7 of the 2013 VGP states that the conditional section 401 WQC (Water
Conservative application of 15 CFR Part 922 Quality Certification) effectively allows for discharge of wash water in Hawaii,
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi‐bin/text‐ subject to compliance with certain terms stipulated in the same section of the
idx?SID=0f86f4c323df18f3bde2cd8a5cbe2270&mc=true 2013 VGP.
&node=pt15.3.922&rgn=div5
Port of Seattle
Passenger cruise ships will not discharge graywater, blackwater, or exhaust gas
cleaning system wash water, whether treated or not while at berth in Port
Terminals.

Vanuatu Yes
Venezuela No
Vietnam Yes
Yemen No

18