2020 Sulphur Cap

Non-compliant fuel carriage ban enters into force

Following a relatively smooth implementation of the main part of the IMO 2020 regulation, the next level of the non-compliant fuel carriage ban has now entered into force. Starting from 1st March 2020, ships are banned from even carrying fuel that contains a sulphur content higher than 0.5%, unless there is a scrubber installed.

In regard to the implementation, the International Chamber of Shipping issued a warning to shipowners and operators of the ban and reiterated the fact that any ships...

https://safety4sea.com/non-compliant-fuel-carriage-ban-enters-into-force/

South Africa’s approach to 2020 sulphur cap

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) issued a Marine Notice concerning the ships’ compliance with IMO Sulphur Cap 2020. SAMSA requires that all ships must provide information over their compliance with the environmental regulations through a revised MRCC Pre-Arrival Notification (PAN) report.

Acceptable methods of compliance with the Marpol Annex VI are considered to be the use of fuel oil (or LNG, Biofuels, blended products distillates) used on board with a sulphur limit of less...

https://safety4sea.com/south-africas-approach-to-2020-sulphur-cap/

Overview of the 2020 shipping regulatory landscape

2020 will see several regulatory changes, with the main on being the IMO 2020 sulphur cap. However, in addition to the sulphur cap regulation, numerous other regulations will also be implemented worldwide by the IMO and ILO over the course of the year.

In order to navigate operators through the upcoming regulatory scene, Siddharth Mahajan, Loss Prevention Executive Asia, Singapore, Gard Club, provides an insight of the most important international regulations that will enter into force in 2020.

1...

https://safety4sea.com/overview-of-the-2020-shipping-regulatory-landscape/

Scrubbers enquiries increase

Naval architect and marine engineering company, Foreship reports an increasing number of enquiries on how scrubbers can be equipped at short notice, after emerging market misgivings regarding the quality and availability of 0.5% sulphur content fuel oils.

As the company notes, after the implementation of the 2020 sulphur cap, companies that have opted scrubbers have a relatively smooth transition. On the other hand, the higher costs of very low sulphur fuel oils (VLSFOs), as well as concerns...

https://safety4sea.com/scrubbers-enquiries-increase/

BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO aim to identify potential fuel oil problems

The IMO 2020 global sulphur limit for marine fuel oil has now been in force for over one month. For this reason, BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO are calling on fleet- and vessel managers, as well as technical superintendents, to share their insight and experiences with the new IMO 2020 compliant fuels.

The four organisations have launched an online survey, aiming to better understand the quality of the new fuel oils and potential safety implications of the IMO 2020 sulphur regulation, and...

https://safety4sea.com/bimco-ics-intercargo-intertanko-aim-to-identify-potential-fuel-oil-problems/

Chinese shipowners request temporary reprieve from IMO 2020

The global coronavirus outbreak has triggered major financial and logistical difficulties, making Chinese shipping entities to raise concerns of their ability to comply with the IMO sulphur rules, introduced in January 2020.

China Shipowners’ Association (CSOA), comprising more than 200 member companies, have issued a draft proposal to Beijing requesting a temporary reprieve from the IMO 2020, reports by The Standard P&I Club say.

The IMO 2020 requires ships to run on fuel containing no more than...

https://safety4sea.com/chinese-shipowners-request-temporary-reprieve-from-imo-2020/

IMO Sec-Gen stresses need for urgent action on emissions

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has spoken of the “urgent need” to develop concrete measures to support IMO’s initial strategy to reduce GHG emissions from shipping. Speaking during the European Shipping Week in Brussels, of 20 February, Mr. Lim supported that ambitious regulatory targets will act as catalysts for technology, triggering research, development and innovation.

IMO Sec-Gen stated that:

Zero emission shipping requires the development, widespread availability and affordability of new...

https://safety4sea.com/imo-sec-gen-stresses-need-for-urgent-action-on-emissions/

Onboard Compliant Fuel Testing Range Launched To Minimize FAME Risks

  • IMO 2020 marine fuel onboard testing and treatment range launched to provide fuel Conservancy solution to the shipping sector.
  • The range helps to ensure compliance with the IMO 0.5% sulphur cap and minimise the contamination risks with FAME based fuels in the supply chain.
  • The product range includes a portable XRF fuel sulphur content tester to confirm the sulphur mixture of fuel in the range of 0.1% – 5%. 
  • Chances of cross contamination is high even for  vessels fitted with exhaust scrubbers...

http://mfame.guru/onboard-compliant-fuel-testing-range-launched-to-minimize-fame-risks/

BIMCO joins Japan for regulation of existing ships’ carbon intensity

Panama, Norway, Greece and other actors are co-sponsoring a proposal originally tabled by Japan to curb the carbon intensity of existing ships through use of an Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), much like the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) which is mandatory for new ships.

As BIMCO says, the new short-term measure requires existing ships to comply with an EEXI limit, if adopted by IMO. The proposal offers a simplified way to comply by using estimated speed/power curves and...

https://safety4sea.com/bimco-joins-japan-for-regulation-of-existing-ships-carbon-intensity/

Regional sulphur emission limits at a glance

The following article, provided by the Gard P&I Club, cites the key sulphur emission limits in several designated MARPOL emission control areas (ECAs) of the world.

Recent attention has been focused on the reduction of the global sulphur cap from 3.50% to 0.50% – but don’t forget there are lower sulphur level requirements in designated MARPOL emission control areas and areas defined by regional governmental entities. Here is a round-up of such areas.

From time to time Members and clients contact...

https://safety4sea.com/regional-sulphur-emission-limits-at-a-glance/

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