To support the implementation of the 2020 sulphur cap, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a carriage ban of non-complaint fuel oil at the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s 73rd meeting (MEPC 73).
Held in London last week, the MEPC 73 meetings had the aim of ironing out the details relating to the Marpol Annex VI regulation, which is due to come into effect on January 1, 2020, cutting the allowable sulphur content in marine fuel from 3.5 percent to 0.5 percent.
The complementary Marpol amendment will prohibit the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil for combustion purposes for propulsion or operation on board a ship - unless the ship has an exhaust gas cleaning system fitted. The system, also known as a scrubber, is accepted by flag states as an alternative means to meet the sulphur limit requirement.
The complementary amendment is expected to enter into force on March 1, 2020 and is intended to be an additional measure to support the consistent implementation and compliance with the 0.5 percent sulphur cap.
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