Coolants

HCFCs in refrigeration are increasingly being replaced by HFCs. HCFCs contain ozone depleting substances. HFCs do not contain these substances but are extremely strong greenhouse gases. Currently there are no International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations concerning HFCs –as opposed to HCFCs. Since 2006, however, a European directive aimed at preventing and/or reducing HFC leakages has been operational. Mobile refrigeration units have so far been exempt from this directive. A study, commissioned by the European Commission, was carried out in 2007, which has generated unrealistic expectations regarding the prevention and/or reduction of coolant leakages. Dutch companies and shipowners have been observing the proposed measures on a voluntary basis for many years now. However, the results are unfortunately not consistent with the ones promised in the report in question, which could lead to unrealistic standards being set. This in turn would affect enforcement.
The KVNR –also on behalf of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations– has conveyed shipowners’ concerns to the European Commission. The KVNR is a proponent of international regulation as an effective solution to the problem. For this reason the KVNR has actively contributed to the Dutch proposal to IMO in which the use of ozone depleting substances, the occurrence of accidents and preventative searches for leakages are entered in a mandatory journal. As a matter of principle this should be applicable to all chemical coolants, including HFCs.