Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of International Marine Organization (IMO) on Wednesday (22 January) released a statement indicating the transition since 1 January to implement the 0.5% sulphur limit has been relatively smooth.
Prices for compliant fuels – very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and marine gas oil (MGO) rose quickly initially but now appear to be stabilising.
As of 20 January, 10 cases of compliant fuel being unavailable had been reported in IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS); and the dedicated email address established by the IMO Secretariat has not received any specific correspondence reporting issues with implementation.
“I believe it is testimony to the diligence and dedication of IMO, its Member States, the shipping industry, the fuel supply industry and other relevant industries that such a major rule change is being implemented successfully without significant disruption to maritime transport and those that depend on it,” said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.
“The next important target is fast approaching, when carrying non-compliant fuel oil on board ships becomes prohibited on 1 March 2020. I urge all shipowners, operators and masters to comply with the carriage ban, where applicable, when it comes into effect.”
Kitack urges all shipowners, operators and masters to comply with the carriage ban, as the next important target of prohibiting carrying non-compliant fuel oil on board ships comes into effect on 1 March 2020.
“IMO will remain vigilant and ready to respond and provide any support. I would like to thank, sincerely, IMO Member Governments, the shipping industry and all stakeholders, including shippers and the fuel oil supply industry, for their efforts so far and to ask for further cooperation to ensure IMO 2020 is implemented properly.” he concludes.
Photo credit: IMO
Published: 22 January, 2020
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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.
