GovWire

The purpose of this new SI is to revoke the current Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 1999 (the 1999 Regulations) and replace them with revised regulations which implement all of Chapter VI of the Annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Live at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS).

The proposed new Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 2024 (the 2024 Regulations) make provision for all cargo types. However, regulatory provisions for some cargo types are set out in more detail in other SIs. For example, specific provisions are made in other regulations for dangerous goods, noxious liquid substances in bulk and liquefied gases in bulk.

Although the proposed 2024 Regulations will largely restate existing regulations, there are some new elements being introduced. These are set out in Section 2.

Your views are sought on any aspect of the proposed 2024 Regulations and accompanying MSN and guidance, and a more in-depth explanation of the areas for consideration can be found in Section 2 of this document. In particular, your views are sought on the associated costs, impacts and any potential gaps or unintended consequences.

A full list of consultation questions is contained in Section 5 of this consultation.

Responses are welcomed from 8 December 2023 until 19 January 2024.