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.
The UK Club has received the following update from Oasis P&I Services Company Ltd., regarding breach of low-sulphur fuel requirements in ECA in China.
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 IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) met for its 74th session at the IMO Headquarters in London from 13-17 May. Below is a summary of the outcome from this meeting on the following topics
The main engine lube oil cooler was found to be leaking at the sea water outlet flange and collected water showed signs of oil contamination.
Helen Huang - Senior Claims Executive from Thomas Miller's Hong Kong office provides an introduction to China's marine oil pollution laws with a discussion on the relevant International Conventions, China's domestic laws and Ship Pollution Response Organisations (SPROs).
China implements ship routing and reporting system in the Minjiang river estuary of Fuzhou Port to enhance traffic efficiency and safety.
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.
We would like to draw Members' attention to the attached Client Advisory #01-19 from Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS) advising that the National Pollution Fund Center (NPFC) is closed and will remain closed until the current U.S Government shutdown is resolved, and/or the USCG is allocated funding to fulfil its various missions.
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.
Reference is made to the most recent update from the Club, giving notification of the new tariff for pollution fines in Turkish waters. Particular attention should be given to the fact that these administrative fines imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, pursuant to the Turkish Environmental Code (EC), are drastically increased in comparison to previous tariffs.
Members' attention is drawn to the attached update on the 2019 tariffs for pollution fines in Turkish waters
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
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'.
California's ballast water exchange law
25/09/2018
Vessels calling in the United States can still use exchanges to treat ballast water prior to their respective deadlines for installing a USCG type-approved treatment system. However, failure to properly conduct exchanges can lead to substantial penalties, especially in California.
Vessels entering Suzhou and Nantong ECA Area in Yangtze River Delta ECA to use fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% m/m as from 1 October 2018
Vessels in Yangtze River Delta ECA to use fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% m/m as from 1 October 2018.
We have been seeing an increase in cases where vessels calling at California ports are issued deficiencies by inspectors from the State Lands Commission.
ITOPF Brochure
13/08/2018
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.