The Bega Valley Shire Residents & Ratepayers Association Inc (BVSRRA), not-for-profit organisation, requested the Australian government to urgently consider the extension of the restriction on maximum fuel oil sulphur content limit of 0.1% (m/m), imposed on cruise ships at berth in Sydney Harbour, to other Australian ports subject to visits by cruise ships as well, including the port of Eden.
In particular, the Association, which has been working to secure a significant reduction in the permissible level of sulphur emissions from ships operating in NSW waters and, specifically, emissions from cruise ships visiting Eden on the south coast of NSW, recognizes that a new standard for the permissible sulphur content limit in fuel oil internationally will come into effect from January 1st, 2020, with the current maximum permissible level of sulphur content in fuel oil being reduced from 3.5% m/m to 0.5% m/m.
In addition, the association says that is aware of the government’s announcement on December 1st, 2016 that the federal government had instructed the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to initiate action requiring cruise ships at berth in Sydney Harbour “to use a maximum fuel oil sulphur content limit of 0.1% while at berth”, so as to “protect the environment & residents from potentially harmful emissions” pending the introduction of the new international standard.
The BVSRRA notes that applauds these actions in respect of cruise ships operating in Sydney Harbour, but it believes that action to protect the environment and residents from potentially harmful emissions should not be limited to Sydney Harbour, as the location of residential areas in Eden, in close proximity to visiting cruise ships, in particular once the new Eden wharf is completed, is similar to the situation in Sydney Harbour.
Source: BVSRRA
