ABS Releases New Guide for Hazardous Materials Inventory

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the global marine and offshore industries, has published a new edition of the ABS Guide for the Inventory of Hazardous Materials. The Guide provides ABS requirements for reviewing and verifying the initial Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for newbuilds and existing vessels and defines obligations for maintenance, verification and endorsement for vessels in service.

“It is important for guidance to stay ahead of requirements,” says Chief Technology Officer Howard Fireman. “By looking forward and determining how upcoming regulatory changes will impact owners and operators, ABS provides the essential information required to achieve regulatory compliance.”

Implementing the requirements in the IHM Guide permits early compliance with the requirements of Part I of the IHM set forth by the IMO Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention, which is yet to be ratified. Early adoption at the time of new construction will simplify future compliance during the vessel’s operating life. 

The newly released Guide incorporates the requirements of IMO Resolution MEPC.269(68), 2015 Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials. 

The IHM Guide applies to a vessel of 500GT or greater operating outside the boundary line of a sovereign state whose flag it is entitled to fly. It also applies to semisubmersibles, floating craft, floating platforms, self-elevating platforms, Floating Storage Units (FSUs), and Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs) and for vessels stripped of equipment or being towed.