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IBIA: IMO targets high sulphur fuel carriage ban by 2020

‘IMO on track to introduce high sulphur fuel carriage ban from March 2020,’ says IBIA spokeswoman.
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The below statement is a report written by Unni Einemo of IBIA:

Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to prohibit not just the use, but also carriage of bunkers above 0.50% sulphur, have been agreed this week, taking into account a request from IBIA and IPIECA to slightly modify the regulatory text to make sure it doesn’t unintentionally prevent bunker barges from carrying high sulphur bunker fuel for delivery to ships with scrubbers.

The carriage ban was initially discussed in plenary at the 72nd session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 72) on Tuesday, using amended regulatory text developed by the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 5) in February.

The key issue up for consideration was whether to go ahead with the amendment, which, if formally adopted at MEPC 73 in October this year, means a carriage ban can take effect as early as 1 March, 2020.

For some, that is too early. A number of countries argued for deferring the carriage ban until a later date due to uncertainty about the availability of compliant fuels in 2020, and concerns about the safety of the fuels on offer. They were advocating a phase of experience-building before not only the use of fuels above 0.50% sulphur is prohibited, but also carriage of such fuels on ships without approved equivalent arrangements such as scrubbers.

A majority of IMO member states, however, see the carriage ban as a crucial instrument in enabling more effective enforcement of the 2020 sulphur limit and hence reduce the risk that operators will be tempted to cheat and gain a competitive advantage.

The other issue up for discussion was the clarity of the amended text for Regulation 14, which was developed at PPR 5:  “The sulphur content of any fuel oil used or carried for use on board ships shall not exceed 0.50% m/m.”

IBIA co-sponsored a submission to MEPC 72 with IPIECA, calling for a small modification to prevent unintended consequences because this could be read as not allowing bunker barges to carry “fuel oil for use on ships” with above 0.50% sulphur content.

Our proposal received strong support as the need for a clear, unambiguous text was recognised. The text eventually agreed, following deliberations in the Air Pollution Working Group, was as follows: “The sulphur content of fuel oil used or carried for use on board a ship shall not exceed 0.50% m/m.”

There was also discussion regarding whether there was a need to include a reference in this part of the MARPOL regulation to show a clear link to the regulation 4.1 of MARPOL Annex VI on equivalent means, to make it crystal clear that the carriage ban does not apply to ships equipped with approved abatement technology such as scrubbers.

While there was some support for this, on balance, it was deemed unnecessary and would open the door to having to add cross-references to regulation 4.1 throughout other parts of the MARPOL Annex VI regulation.

Besides, some argued, the regulation will be clearly understood by the authorities in charge of enforcing it. The ship’s IAPP certificate will clearly state whether the ship has an approved equivalent arrangement.

One member state, however, reserved its position on this and may propose an editorial amendment to MEPC 73 to make the exemption from the carriage ban for ships with scrubbers more explicit.

Apart from the amendment of Regulation 14 to prevent not just the use, but also the carriage of fuel oil above 0.50% sulphur, the amended text to be adopted has been shortened significantly as mentions of previous sulphur limits in emission control areas (ECAs) and outside ECAs will be redundant from the start of 2020, and hence have been removed.

The new regulatory text only specifies the 0.50% limit under Regulation 14.1, and the 0.10% applicable in ECAs under Regulation 14.4, which has also been slightly amended to read: “While a ship is operating within an emission control area, the sulphur content of fuel oil used on board that ship shall not exceed 0.10% m/m.”

After being formally approved at MEPC 72 this Friday, the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI are expected to be formally adopted at MEPC 73 and enter into force on 1 March, 2020.

Published: 16 April, 2018
 

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Alternative Fuels

EPS, DongHwa Entec partner on compressor installation for new LNG-fuelled boxship

Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping and DongHwa Entec will collaborate on development and installation of a High-Pressure Compressor for an 18,000 TEU LNG-fuelled container ship.
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3 months ago

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March 12, 2025

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EPS, DongHwa Entec partner on compressor installation for new LNG-fuelled boxship

Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and marine engineering solutions provider DongHwa Entec (DHE) on Monday (10 March) announced their collaboration on the development and installation of a High-Pressure (HP) Compressor for an 18,000 TEU LNG-fuelled container ship under construction at China’s NTS Shipyard. 

The companies said the initiative marks a significant advancement in LNG fuel gas supply systems, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.

This collaboration optimizes the utilisation of Boil-Off Gas (BOG) to enhance fuel efficiency and, in return, significantly reduce environmental impact. With the HP Compressor integrated, the vessel will be able to channel BOG directly into the main engine, minimising emissions and maximising fuel efficiency, a major leap forward in decarbonizing shipping operations.

As a manufacturing-based engineering specialist with expertise in gas fuel supply systems, cargo handling system (CHS) and other gaseous process advanced system solutions, DHE is strengthening its leadership in sustainable marine engineering solutions. 

Its affiliate, DongHwa Pneutec, a recognised leader in compressor manufacturing, traditionally specialised in Low-Pressure (LP) Compressors, will expand its product range to include HP Compressors with this project, broadening its expertise and market reach in advanced LNG technologies.

“This collaboration underscores EPS and DHE’s shared vision for a greener maritime industry, driving innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. By advancing LNG fuel technologies, both companies will stay committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable shipping,” it said.

 

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 12 March, 2025

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Port & Regulatory

MPA informs Singapore shipping community of resolutions adopted at MEPC 82

MEPC 82 was held from 30 September 2024 to 04 October 2024; MPA urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of the resolutions.
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6 months ago

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December 30, 2024

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MPA patrol vessels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Saturday (28 December) issued Shipping Circular No. 18 of 2024 informing shipowners, ship managers, operators, agents and masters of Singapore-registered ships of resolutions adopted at 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82).

MEPC 82 was held from 30 September 2024 to 04 October 2024; MPA urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions:

Resolution MEPC.392(82) – Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Designation of the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and
Particulate Matter, as appropriate).

This resolution adopts amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocols of 1978 and 1997 relating thereto (MARPOL), Annex VI, to designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas (ECA)
for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter. The amendments will enter into force on 01 March 2026 and will be given effect through amendments to the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air Pollution) Regulations 2022.

The Canadian Arctic ECA will be applicable to ships constructed on or after 01 January 2025, while the Norwegian Sea ECA will be applicable to ships constructed on or after 01 March 2026, including a “three dates criteria” of date of building contract; keel laying date; and delivery date, to be reflected
as amendments to the Supplement to International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP Certificate).

Resolution MEPC.393(82) – Guidance On Best Practice On Recommendatory Goal-Based Control Measures To Reduce The Impact On The Arctic Of Black Carbon Emissions From International
Shipping

This resolution adopts Guidance on best practice on recommendatory goal-based control measures to reduce the impact on the Arctic of Black Carbon emissions from international shipping. It is intended to assist ship operators/companies in their efforts to reduce Black Carbon emissions from
their ships operating in or near the Arctic in measurable and concrete ways.

Resolution MEPC.394(82) – Guidelines On Recommendatory Black Carbon Emission Measurement, Monitoring And Reporting

This resolution adopts Guidelines on recommendatory Black Carbon emission measurement, monitoring and reporting. It specifies recommendations for the measurement, monitoring and reporting of Black Carbon emissions data from marine diesel engines or exhaust gas treatment
systems, in combination or individually, to enhance development of recommendations and regulations to reduce the impact on the Arctic of Black Carbon emissions.

Resolution MEPC.395(82) – 2024 Guidelines For The Development Of A Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

This resolution adopts the 2024 Guidelines for the development of a SEEMP to have a more consistent methodology for fuel oil reporting, taking into account the data collected in the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS) thus far. This resolution revokes Resolution MEPC.346(78).

Resolution MEPC.396(82) – Designation Of The Nusa Penida Islands And Gili Matra Islands In Lombok Strait As A Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA)

This resolution designates the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands in Lombok Strait as a PSSA, with the Associated Protective Measures (APMs) being the previously established Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) which entered into force on 01 July 2019.

Editor’s note: The full Shipping Circular No. 18 of 2024 document may be obtained from MPA’s official website here.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 30 December 2024

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Port & Regulatory

Philippines to mandate 0.50% sulphur cap for domestic shipping industry in 2025

Domestic shipping firms may extend the compliance deadline based on the Ship-specific implementation Plan timelines, but not exceeding five years.
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6 months ago

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December 30, 2024

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MARINE IMO 2020 advisory

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Republic of the Philippines will be implementing a 0.50% sulphur cap for bunker fuel consumed by the country’s domestic shipping industry effective 1 January 2025, it said.

MARINA Advisory No. 2024-35, published on 22 October 2024, provided supplemental guidelines on the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of MARINA Circular No. SR-2020-06 “Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Use of 0.50% M/M Sulphur Limit on Fuel Oil for all Philippine Registered Ships in Compliance to Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78, as amended”.

MARINA MC No. SR2020-06 specifically covers ships which are utilising heavy sulphur fuel oil and are therefore mandated to shift to fuel oil with low sulphur content of .50% in/in or below, effective 01 January 2025, noted the advisory.

Ships which are already using Distillates (MGO, MDO, IDO) or bIends may shift to fuel oil with .50% mass/mass sulphur content and are required to accomplish a Ship-specific implementation Plan (SIP) to be attached to the Ship’s SMS Manual.

The Administration, meanwhile, noted domestic shipping firms may extend the compliance deadline based on the SIP timelines as verified by MARINA, but not to exceed five (5) years.

No extension of deadline shall be allowed if there is no SIP submitted by 01 July 2024.

Editor’s note: The complete MARINA Advisory No. 2024-35 document may be obtained from the official MARINE website here.

 

Photo credit: Maritime Industry Authority
Published: 30 December 2024

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