As we already informed with the NK Technical Information No.273 dated 23 July 1998, that the Society issues Statement of Compliance with the provisions of Annex IV to MARPOL73/78 voluntarily at your request and that Greece has already implemented the Annex IV under the national legislation.

This time, the Administration of Greece instructed by the Circular as follow;
The national legislation of Greece implemented the Annex IV to MARPOL73/78 applies only for Greek flag vessels performing domestic voyages. The legislation does not apply for Greek flag vessels trading internationally until when the Annex IV to MARPOL73/78 is put into force.

Annex IV to MARPOL73/78 has already been ratified by 76 States, as of the 29th February 2000, with the combined merchant fleet constituting 43.11% of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant shipping. As the condition of entry into force is for not less than 50% of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant shipping, the Annex IV is now under discussion to be amended to assist its entry into force in the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).

Should you need more information about these matters, please do not hesitate to contact
us. (Class NK Marine and Industrial Service Department, Head Office, Tokyo,
Tel:81-3-5226-2041,Fax:81-3-5226-2039 & E-mail Address:mid@classnk.or.jp)