Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# Tokyo MOU: Regional Specificities

Same principle as the Paris MOU, different numbers: in 2025 the Tokyo MOU conducted a record number of inspections, with a lower but still significant detention rate.

Tokyo MOU Asia-Pacific detention rate CIC

## Operational Explanation

The Tokyo MOU is the Port State Control regime for the Asia-Pacific region, structured on principles similar to the Paris MOU (Ship Risk Profile, New Inspection Regime, Concentrated Inspection Campaigns) but with partly distinct data, priorities and calendar.

According to the Tokyo MOU's Annual Report 2025, a record number of inspections was conducted, with 1,255 ships flying 73 different flags detained for serious deficiencies, corresponding to a detention rate of 3.53% — down from the previous year, but still above pre-pandemic levels.

The Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management, conducted jointly with the Paris MOU from 1° September to 30 November 2025, involved 9,244 PSC inspections, of which 6,930 (74.96%) used the specific CIC questionnaire. Of the ships inspected under the campaign, 184 were detained (detention rate of 2.66%), of which 30 detentions were directly attributable to the CIC questionnaire (campaign-specific detention rate: 0.43%). The most common deficiency found concerned the correct functioning of the ballast water management system (BWMS).

## Regulatory Reference

Tokyo MOU (Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Asia-Pacific Region): the same risk-based targeting principles as the Paris MOU, with its own Annual Report and a CIC calendar partly coordinated, partly distinct.

## Scope of Application

Every ship calling at ports of Tokyo MOU member States (Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, China, South Korea, Singapore and others).

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Check the specific Ship Risk Profile calculated by the Tokyo MOU for the ship, distinct from the Paris MOU's even though based on similar criteria.
2. Consult the Tokyo MOU CIC calendar, which may coincide with the Paris MOU's (as in the case of the 2025 Ballast Water Management campaign) or run independently.
3. Prepare documentation and operational procedures with specific attention to the ballast water management system, given its relevance in recent campaigns.
4. Monitor Tokyo MOU annual statistics to identify the most frequent deficiency areas in the specific region of operation.
5. Coordinate PSC preparation taking into account any procedural differences between the Tokyo MOU and Paris MOU for ships operating in both areas.

## Practical Example

Example of preparation: a ship operating regularly between Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU ports checks, ahead of the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ballast Water Management, the correct functioning of its own BWMS with particular attention, knowing this was the most common deficiency found during the campaign.

## Real Cases

The Tokyo MOU detention rate of 3.53% in 2025, although falling, remains above pre-pandemic levels, a sign that inspection pressure in the Asia-Pacific region remains high despite the improving trend: a figure to be monitored alongside, not in place of, Paris MOU statistics for fleets operating globally.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
Uncritically applying Paris MOU statistics and priorities to port calls in the Tokyo MOU region | Preparation not calibrated to the real regional specificities | Always consult the specific Tokyo MOU Annual Report, not only the Paris MOU's
Underestimating the relevance of BWMS functioning ahead of inspections in the Asia-Pacific region | Deficiency in the category most frequently found in recent campaigns | Prioritise verification of the ballast water management system before port calls in this area
No specific monitoring of the Ship Risk Profile calculated by the Tokyo MOU | Surprise at the inspection frequency expected in the region | Monitor the Tokyo MOU Ship Risk Profile separately from the Paris MOU's

## PSC Observations

Tokyo MOU inspections follow the same risk-based targeting logic as the Paris MOU, but with their own regional data and priorities; the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ballast Water Management highlighted BWMS functioning as a priority area of attention.

## Operational Tips

- Always consult the region-specific Tokyo MOU Annual Report, don't rely only on Paris MOU statistics.
- Prioritise verification of the ballast water management system before port calls in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Monitor the Ship Risk Profile calculated specifically by the Tokyo MOU for ships operating in this area.

## Checklist

- Most recent Tokyo MOU Annual Report consulted for regional statistics and priorities
- Tokyo MOU Ship Risk Profile checked separately from the Paris MOU's
- Ballast water management system (BWMS) verified as functioning before port calls in the region
- Tokyo MOU CIC calendar checked, including any joint campaigns with the Paris MOU
- General PSC documentation ready to standards applicable to both regimes

## FAQ

What was the Tokyo MOU detention rate in 2025?
3.53%, with 1,255 ships flying 73 different flags detained; a figure down from the previous year but still above pre-pandemic levels.
What did the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign in the Tokyo MOU region cover?
Ballast Water Management, conducted jointly with the Paris MOU from 1 September to 30 November 2025, with the most common deficiency linked to the correct functioning of the ballast water management system (BWMS).
Do the Tokyo MOU and Paris MOU always share the same Concentrated Inspection Campaign calendar?
Not always, but they often coordinate joint campaigns on topics of common interest, as in the case of the 2025 Ballast Water Management campaign; at other times the calendars can be independent.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Ship Risk Profile and New Inspection Regime Concentrated Inspection Campaigns USCG Port State Control

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