The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published MIN 709 (M) with the 2024 Amendments to the ESP Code. The document details significant updates to the Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) Code for bulk carriers and oil tankers. These amendments, effective from 1 July 2024, were established through the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) resolution MSC.525(106) in November 2022.
The updates focus on improving safety and inspection standards to ensure the structural integrity and operational safety of these vessels.
Key Points of the Amendments
Revised Inspection Standards:
– The minimum acceptable standard for tank and void space conditions has been raised. Previously, a condition was considered acceptable if there was no more than a general breakdown of coating over 20% of the area (rated as “poor”). This threshold has been tightened to “less than good,” meaning minor spot rusting is now the maximum acceptable level of degradation.
Inspection Frequency:
– For bulk carriers with single-side skin construction, ballast tanks and their protective coatings must be inspected more rigorously. If the coating condition is “less than good,” annual inspections are required.
– For double-skin construction bulk carriers, intermediate and renewal surveys will include examinations of the tank, hold, and double-side skin void space corrosion prevention systems. Tanks and void spaces with coatings in “poor” or “less than good” condition will also require annual inspections.
Specific Requirements for Older Vessels:
– Bulk carriers over 20 years old and at least 150 meters in length must have their double-side skin void spaces inspected based on the outcomes of renewal and intermediate surveys.
