HFW, BIMCO to Draft First 2020 Bunker Clause

The law firm HFW has helped shipping association BIMCO draft its first clause relating to the International Maritime Organization's 2020 sulphur emission rules.

The Global, sector-focused  law firm said that the new clause, focused on compliance, has been fast-tracked and may be published as soon as the end of October.

BIMCO will produce several clauses dealing with specific issues relating to IMO 2020, which sets a new limit for the amount of sulphur in fuel oil of 0.5% for ships operating outside designated emission control areas. The new regulation will affect more than 70,000 ships globally.

HFW is the only law firm on BIMCO's drafting committee. Its team is led by head of offshore Paul Dean and also includes senior associates Alessio Sbraga and Rory Grout.

Paul Dean, Head of Offshore, HFW said: "It is a privilege to support BIMCO, the other members of the drafting sub-committee, the wider membership of BIMCO and the shipping community generally on this very important new regulatory requirement."