The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been working to reduce the harmful impacts of shipping on the environment, setting progressively stricter limits on the sulphur content of fuel oils used by vessels. Failure to comply with these new rules can lead to substantial fines.
Recently, the IMO has adopted a 2008 resolution that introduces a reduced global sulphur cap on marine fuels. The current global limit of 3.5% mass/mass (m/m) shall decrease to 0.5% m/m from 1 January 2020.
While the new regulation has been welcomed by all, there are challenges in ensuring its full compliance and enforcement. This page is dedicated to provide Members with the resources necessary to overcome these challenges.
Bunker issues post 2020 shake-up
11/11/2020
The IMO has been regulating and reducing sulphur emissions from ships since 2005, Learn more about issues which we have seen coming into play along with legal and practical tips which may be of help to members.
Korea New ECA Rule
03/08/2020
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has announced the SOX Emission Control Area in major Korean ports, which strengthens the sulfur content standard of ship fuel oil to 0.1% or less according to the Article.
From 1 January 2020, the new 0.5% m/m global limit for sulphur in fuel used on board ships comes into effect. Parties in the bunker chain i.e. those involved in the production, distribution, storage, handling and use of bunker fuels have expressed concerns over the practical implementation of this new global limit, a substantial drop from the current 3.5% m/m. A Joint Industry Project (JIP) was therefore established to raise awareness of the issues which might arise.
In our last article, we discussed the role that transitional fuels will play in the industry’s drive towards net zero
Ammonia as a Ship's Fuel
23/08/2023
The global shipping industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions by changing to greener fuel options, and ammonia has emerged as a promising candidate for fueling ships in this quest.
A Roadmap for Ship Decarbonisation
21/09/2023
Global warming is one of the most severe and complex challenges our world faces today
China and South Korea has announced implementation of their own fuel sulphur caps with emission control areas requiring use of 0.1% sulphur fuels.
IMO - Preparations intensify as 1 January 2020 global cut in sulphur in ship's fuel oil looms
28/11/2019
As 1 January 2020 approaches, the IMO has issued a Press Briefing dated 25.11.2019 in which it reports on some of the views and indications which came out of a roundtable industry meeting which it hosted at its London Headquarters on 18 November.