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.
China ECA'S update
15/03/2017
China MSA have strengthened enforcement of the low sulphur fuel regulation (with sulphur contents no more than 0.5%) at all 11 core ports since 1 January 2017.
The Club’s correspondents in Australia, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, advise of an increase in fines for those polluting Australian waters.
The 76th session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76) was held remotely with a limited agenda from 10 to 17 June 2021
The 75th session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 75) took place remotely from 16 to 20 November
Members are referred to the Alert issued by the Association on 21/04/2017 relating to the Panama Canal Advisory A-15-2017: Modification to Fuel Requirements in Canal Waters.
The UK Club has received the attached circular from our local correspondents, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd, regarding the prohibition of discharging waste water generated by open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems (Scrubbers) within Emission Control Areas in China.
The UK Club has received the attached circular from the Port of Fujairah Marine Department, regarding a recent ban on open loop scrubbers within the port.
China ECAs - Members are reminded that from 1 January, 2019, all seagoing ships sailing in Chinese territorial waters will need to use fuel with a sulphur content of no higher than 0.5% m/m