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.

The UK P&I Club recently hosted a live webinar. Patrick Ryan, the Club's Sustainability Director, asked the panel how the shipping industry's decarbonisation strategy is shaping up?

IMO FAQs relating to new requirements relating to sulphur emissions that are due to enter into force in emission control areas on 1st January 2015

January 1st, 2020, has been set as the implementation date for a significant reduction in the sulphur content of the fuel oil used by ships.

China MSA recently issued the Notice on Strengthening the Supervision and Management on Emission Control Areas for Vessels including the Guideline of Supervision and Management

This advice is an addendum to Club's Air emissions update issued on 7/10/2014 and relates to the necessary steps members must take in order to comply

With new sulphur-emission rules just three months away, the Club's legal team has added an addendum to the Legal briefing on Air emissions - the Emission Standards for SOx and NOx.

The MARPOL permitted limit for sulphur content in ships' bunker will be reduced from 3.5% m/m to 0.50% m/m for ships operating outside designated emission control areas

The International Chamber of Shipping have produced a guide aimed at Shipping Companies and Crews on preparing for compliance with the 2020 'Global Sulphur Cap'.