UAE authorities point to gradual enforcement of IMO 2020 regulation
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by Admin
United Arab Emirates authorities will be taking a gradual approach to IMO 2020 enforcement, said Federal Transport Authority Chairman Abdullah Al Nuaimi in a recent interview with Bloomberg.
“It’s not going to be right from day one” that the U.A.E. starts imposing penalties, said Al Nuaimi as quoted.
“It’s very important to realize that we look at things not in terms of ‘either you do this or you will be paralyzed.’ We think: ‘what would be the easiest way for you to operate within our environment?’”
He understood the Port of Fujairah to be a bunkering hub for tankers calling at ports in the Middle East, and as such said the UAE will not rush to punish vessels for using non-compliant fuel due to commercial issues.
Al Nuaimi was aware of shipowners who have invested heavily for IMO 2020 compliance, but pointed out shipping associations have also suggested a flexible stance to governments in the event where compliant fuel is unavailable.
Hessa Al Malek, marine transport executive director at the FTA, reiterated Al Nuaimi’s approach and added UAE plans to fully enforce the IMO 2020 rule at the future date, even though it has the legislative power to do so now.
Mousa Murad, managing director at Port of Fujairah, said vessels will not be allowed to enter the facility with non-compliant bunkers unless earlier notified by a shipping agent.
Photo credit: Port of Fujairah
Published: 18 December, 2019
