Clock is ticking towards sulphur cap, IMO head warns

Catogory : Market Report

THE next 10 months will be crucial for the implementation of the 2020 sulphur cap, International Maritime Organization Secretary-general Kitack Lim has warned. Speaking to delegates attending the IMO sub-committee on pollution prevention and response meeting in London, Mr. Lim emphasised the significance of concluding outstanding work on the implementation of the 0.5% sulphur cap on January 1 next year.

The committee will this week focus on a number of issues regarding the implementation of the cap, including finalisation of IMO guidelines and the development of template fuel non-availability reports for cases where compliance is not possible. “The importance of concluding the work on this matter cannot be overstated since these are the final and comprehensive guidelines,” Mr. Lim said. “Consistent implementation to all ships will ensure a level playing field is maintained. “Also being discussed this week is a potential ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil in the Arctic. Though negotiations are at an early stage and are currently focused on impact assessments of a potential ban, Mr. Lim signalled the urgency of developing measures that reduce risks of heavy fuel oil for the region.

“With future vessel traffic in Arctic waters projected to rise, the associated risk of an accidental oil spill into Arctic waters may also increase,” he said. “It is therefore imperative that the organisation takes robust action to reduce the risks to the Arctic marine environment associated with the use and carriage of HFO as fuel by ships.”