Denmark hailed the decision by IMO PPR to ban carriage of fuel with an excessively high sulphur content onboard ships, that is to be finally adopted by the IMO MEPC in April.
The new prohibition, which enjoys wide support from the IMO member States, green organisations and the industry, will most likely make it easier to enforce the provisions of the 0.5% sulphur limit that is to enter into force in 2020, said the Danish Maritime Authority. Andreas Nordseth, Director General of DMA, said:
“The proposal to ban the on-board presence of high sulphur content fuel globally is a step in the right direction. We are striving to reduce distortional practices among the various flag States, and this ban will make it easier to enforce the regulations and, thus, help ensure a level playing field.”
Ships fitted with so-called scrubbers for flue gas cleaning or any other approved technology will be exempted from the ban, and it will not apply to fuels merely carried as cargo either.
Now the proposal is up for consideration by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), which is expected to adopt the ban before the end of 2018; subsequently, the ban is planned to enter into force in March 2020.
The ban is part of wider IMO efforts to ensure efficient enforcement of the new sulphur provisions – efforts that will be continued towards 2020.
The proposal has enjoyed wide support in Blue Denmark since stronger enforcement helps ensure a level playing field for the global industry and fewer sulphur emissions.
