Requirements for discharging ballast water in South Korean waters issued by the Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has issued a marine safety advisory about requirements for discharging ballast water in South Korean waters.

This safety advisory was issued on 31 August 2023.

On 24 August 2023, the Japanese government began releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, as approved by the International Atomic Energy Association.

Owners and operators of Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)-flagged vessels are advised that South Korea has implemented requirements for ballast water discharge to keep the treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant out of its jurisdiction.

These regional requirements apply to vessels that are entering South Korean ports after uptaking ballast water in:

• Aomori Prefecture
• Iwate Prefecture
• Fukushima Prefecture
• Miyagi Prefecture
• Ibaragi Prefecture
• Chiba Prefecture in the eastern coast of Japan.

Details of the new requirements can be found in the Spark International bulletin which can be read HERE.

More details are also available through the P&I Clubs, including:

• North Standard
• American Club
• London P&I

The RMI Maritime Administrator has been advised that other governments may also create requirements about treated radioactive water as ballast.

Going forward, vessels transiting to the area are advised to monitor developments on a port-by-port basis through their ship agents.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

South Korea: Requirements for Discharging Ballast Water