Asbestos management on ships according to international regulations
Asbestos is a natural mineral with insulating and fire-resistant properties, but it poses a serious risk to safety on board. Although there is a worldwide ban on the use of asbestos, many ships built before 2011 still contain asbestos-containing materials. This can be harmful to crew, passengers and the environment.
With the right measures, shipowners can manage these risks while complying with international regulations. Normec Verifavia supports this with practical solutions and expert guidance.
Effective asbestos management on board
Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Therefore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established strict requirements for asbestos on board ships through SOLAS regulations.
According to SOLAS Chapter II-1/Regulation 3-5, it is prohibited to install new materials containing asbestos on all ships from 1st January 2011. For ships built before 1 July 2002, existing installations may remain unless they pose a risk, but no new ACMs can be added. If Asbestos is found onboard, an Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs) is mandatory.
These plans describe where asbestos is present, how it is safely managed and how removal must take place. Periodic resampling and removal via certified facilities are also required. If asbestos is found, it must be removed by professionals within 3 years, from the date of detection.
Normec Verifavia supports the entire process and ensures that your ship remains compliant with all international and flag state regulations.
Complete solution for asbestos management on ships
Normec Verifavia offers a complete solution for asbestos management in the maritime sector. We support shipowners in all steps, from survey to removal and disposal.
Our services include, among other things:
- Asbestos Management Plans (AMP) and support with flag state exemption applications
- Asbestos survey
- Asbestos removal services
- Asbestos disposal services
What does this mean for you?
- Insight into where asbestos is located on board
- Compliance with SOLAS and flag state regulations
- Less risk of delays, fines or detention
- Guidance during removal and disposal worldwide
- Cost savings through smart resampling and planning
Expertise in asbestos and maritime compliance
Our hazmat specialists guide the entire asbestos management process. We have carried out hundreds of asbestos projects worldwide, including management plans, removal projects, disposal and resampling.
Thanks to our experience with different flag states and international regulations, we can act quickly and provide practical solutions that fit the ship’s operation. We support shipowners, managers and superintendents with advice, documentation, inspections and project management.
Responsible asbestos management
Proper asbestos management is not only about regulations, but also about safety, health and responsible ship management. By correctly identifying, managing and removing asbestos, you ensure a safe working environment and prevent problems during inspections and during the sale or recycling of the ship.
Normec Verifavia helps you organize this process in a structured, safe and compliant way, so you are prepared for future regulations and inspections.
Would you like to know more about asbestos management?
Downloads
- SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-5
- MSC Circ. 1045 – Guidelines for maintenance and monitoring of on-board materials containing asbestos
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.1379 – Unified Interpretation of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-5 (concerning asbestos in stores)
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.1426 – Unified Interpretation of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-5 (concerning likely components, evidence, and documentation)
- IMO MSC.1/Circ.1374 – Information on Prohibiting the Use of Asbestos on board ships (includes how to manage asbestos found on ships not in compliance with SOLAS)
- International Association of Classification Society (IACS), Procedural Requirement 41 Reporting on existence of asbestos on board
- Asbestos Management Services Brochure
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Frequently asked questions about asbestos management services
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An Asbestos Management Plan is required when asbestos is present on board. This plan describes the location, type of asbestos and how it will be safely managed or removed.
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When asbestos is found, an Asbestos Management Plan must first be prepared. After that, an exemption can be requested from the flag state, after which a removal plan is prepared.
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After preparing an asbestos abatement plan, the removal is carried out by certified specialists. The material is then transported to a certified disposal facility.
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In many cases, resampling is necessary to confirm whether materials actually contain asbestos and also to correctly define the scope of asbestos removal. This can help prevent unnecessary removal costs.
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Yes, we work with a global network of certified partners and facilities for asbestos removal and disposal.
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Proper asbestos management prevents health hazards, inspection delays, fines and problems when the vessel is sold or recycled.
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Asbestos may only be removed by certified asbestos removal companies that have the proper expertise, procedures and equipment to perform the work safely and according to regulations.
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Removed asbestos must be transported to authorized treatment and waste facilities that comply with environmental legislation and international regulations to dispose asbestos containing material.