All Eyes on 2020
The International Maritime Organization’s proposals to reduce sulfur levels in marine fuels to a maximum of 0.5 percent m/m (mass/mass) by 2020 may prove to be controversial, having met with various responses from major shipping organisations and other bodies. The decision to implement the proposals by 2020 was taken by IMO, the regulatory authority for international shipping, during its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) meeting, which was held in London, UK in October 2016, and represents a significant reduction from the 3.5 percent m/m global limit currently in place.
IMO Sets 2020 Date for Ships to Comply with Emission Requirements
In a landmark decision for both the environment and human health, 1 January 2020 has been set as the implementation date for a significant reduction in the sulphur content of the fuel oil used by ships. The decision to implement a global sulphur cap of 0.50% m/m (mass/mass) in 2020 was taken by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the regulatory authority for international shipping, during its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), meeting for its 70th session in London. It represents a significant cut from the 3.5% m/m global limit currently in place and demonstrates a clear commitment by IMO to ensuring shipping meets its environmental obligations.
Lloyd's Statutory Alert
Statutory Alert: MARPOL Annex VI – a reminder of the entry into effect of the North American ECA-SOx. Applicabilty: All shipowners and operators: The North American Emission Control Area for SOx and particulate matter (ECA-SOx) enters into effect on 1 August, 2012. From this date, the same requirements will apply as for the existing Baltic and North Sea ECA-SOx, including the requirements for recording data on entry and exit. 3. around certain parts of Hawaii. It also includes the St Lawrence Seaway, the Great Lakes and rivers (such as the Mississippi) which are accessed by shipping.
