Vessel General Permit (VGP)
Vessel General Permit (VGP) Testing
On 19 December 2013, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the revised Vessel General Permit (VGP). This regulation applies to merchant vessels of 79 feet or longer operating in U.S. coastal and inland waters and is enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The VGP requires the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) in all oil-to-water interfaces, such as stern tube seals and thruster seals, and mandates regular monitoring and reporting of vessel discharges.
Eurofins Maritime Services supports shipowners and operators with VGP-compliant sampling, analysis and reporting, helping you meet U.S. regulatory requirements with confidence.
What Is VGP Testing?
VGP testing involves the monitoring and analysis of specific vessel effluents as defined by the US EPA. Samples must be collected in accordance with VGP Table 1 requirements and analysed by an accredited laboratory.
Discharge streams subject to VGP monitoring include:
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Ballast water
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Bilgewater / oily water separator discharge
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Graywater
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Scrubber wash water
Monitoring data must be submitted to the EPA once per year, no later than 28 February following the year in which the data were collected.
Testing Frequency
The required sampling frequency depends on compliance history:
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Twice per year for ballast water discharge monitoring
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If results remain within permit limits for two consecutive sampling events, the monitoring frequency may be reduced to once per year
Eurofins helps you interpret results and manage monitoring schedules efficiently.
Sampling Options
VGP discharge samples may be taken by:
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Trained ship’s crew, provided sampling is properly documented, or
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Eurofins professionals, upon request
All samples must be analysed by an accredited laboratory to meet EPA requirements.
Time-Critical Analyses
Biological samples containing living material must be analysed within 8 hours after sampling. Eurofins’ coordinated sampling and laboratory logistics ensure that time-critical analyses are performed in compliance with VGP requirements.
Why Choose Eurofins?
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Expertise in U.S. EPA VGP compliance
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Accredited laboratory analyses
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Support with sampling, testing and reporting
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Global logistics and fast turnaround times
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Reduced risk during U.S. Coast Guard inspections
Eurofins Maritime Services helps you stay compliant with VGP requirements, avoid operational delays and ensure smooth operations in U.S. waters.
