The International Marine Organization (IMO) on Monday (2 March) started the enhancement of the IMO 2020 regulation from 1 March 2020, with entry into force of a ban for the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil.
The IMO 2020 regulation limits sulphur in ships’ fuel oil to a maximum 0.50%. It has been in force globally since 1 January 2020, under IMO’s MARPOL treaty, with benefits for the environment and human health from a reduction in sulphur oxides in the air.
The complementary International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships (MARPOL) amendment prohibits the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil for combustion purposes for propulsion or operation on board a ship – unless the ship has an approved exhaust gas cleaning system (“scrubber”) fitted.
The amendment does not change in any way the 0.50% limit which has been in force since 1 January 2020.
It is intended as an additional measure to support consistent implementation and compliance and provide a means for effective enforcement by States, particularly port State control.
In designated emission control areas, the maximum sulphur limit in fuel oil is 0.10 % (the four ECAs are: the Baltic Sea area; the North Sea area; the North American area (covering designated coastal areas off the United States and Canada); and the United States Caribbean Sea area (around Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands)).
Photo credit and source: International Marine Organization
Published: 4 March, 2020
Recent bans and negative sentiment expressed in the press has created uncertainty about scrubbers.
‘Unfortunate at a time when the shipping industry is working hard to reduce sulphur emissions,’ says Director.
Discusses compliance options available to shipping companies and associated funding for consideration.
IBIA provides points of particular relevance from the recent IMO meeting ended Friday to members.
Issue relates to the marine fuel quality standard covering 0.50% sulphur limit fuel blends.
Also considering options to install scrubbers on additional 15 minor bulk vessels, but did not provide details.
IBIA Asia, ABIS, sources from Singapore’s bunkering and surveying companies, and an industry veteran share with Manifold Times the issues expected from MPA’s latest Covid-19 measures.
The top three positive movers in the 2020 bunker supplier list are Hong Lam Fuels Pte Ltd (+13); Chevron Singapore Pte Ltd (+12); and SK Energy International (+8), according to MPA list.
‘We will operate in the Singapore bunkering market from the Tokyo, with support from local staff at Sumitomo Corporation Singapore,’ source tells Manifold Times.
Changes include abolishing advance declaration of bunkers as dangerous cargo, reducing pilotage fees on vessels receiving bunkers, and a ‘whitelist’ system for bunker tankers.
Claim relates to deliveries of MGO to the vessels Pacific Diligence, Pacific Valkyrie, Pacific Defiance, Crest Alpha 1, and Pacific Warlock between March 2020 to April 2020.
3,490 mt of LSFO from Itochu Enex was lifted at Universal Terminal; the same bunker stem was bought by Global Marine Logistics and delivered by bunker tanker Juma to receiving vessel Kirana Nawa.
