On and after 1st January 2020, the MARPOL permitted limit for sulphur content in ships’ bunker fuel oil will be reduced from 3.50% mass by mass (m/m) to 0.50% m/m for ships operating outside designated emission control areas. The MARPOL Emission Control Area (ECA) limit of 0.10% will still apply, as will any applicable local regulations.
The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 73) has approved a prohibition on the carriage of non-compliant bunker fuel which will come into force on 1st March 2020 (Regulation 14 MARPOL Annex VI), with certain caveats. Ships fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers), which are designed to remove sulphur oxides from the ship’s engine and boiler exhaust gases, in order to reduce sulphur emissions to a level not exceeding the required fuel oil sulphur limit, can continue to carry fuel with a sulphur content of more than 0.50%. It is necessary to check before calling at a port if that port has any ban or additional requirements relating to the use of open loop scrubbers, or for dealing with wash waters from scrubbers.
The IMO has developed further guidance, including a fuel oil non-availability report (FONAR), which is on the IMO’s website. Under Regulation 18 of MARPOL Annex VI, it will be possible to submit a FONAR to State parties recording the steps taken when a ship cannot acquire compliant fuel. It is important to note that a FONAR is not an exemption; it is one of a number of documents to be taken into account by State parties, when considering enforcement action against a non-compliant ship. PSC guidelines have also been published by the IMO to assist in this regard. When facing enforcement action, owners should be able fully to document the efforts which they have taken to comply.
A limited exception to the 2020 Global Sulphur Cap requirements is allowed for any emission necessary to secure the safety of the ship, saving life at sea or any emission resulting from accidental damage to a ship or its equipment (subject to certain conditions).
30.7.2019.
