With six months to go until the implementation of the global sulphur cap on marine fuel, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has updated its guidance for shipping companies.

The updated guidance incorporates the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) decisions addressing issues such as fuel oil non-availability reporting, fuel safety and fuel quality.

“The industry is focused on moving forward but uncertainty remains about the worldwide availability of safe and compliant low sulphur fuels, and the operational challenges associated with using them,” said Guy Platten, secretary general of ICS.

“It is absolutely vital that everyone concerned, including governments, oil producers and bunker suppliers, redouble their efforts to ensure that safe and compatible fuels will be available in every port worldwide.”

The association added that the guidelines will help ships avoid port state control difficulties that might arise and enable shipowners and ships’ crews to overcome the practical challenges presented by this multi-fuel scenario.

www.ics-shipping.org

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