The Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) announced that it remains committed to the successful implementation of the 2020 sulphur cap. However, President of the UGS, Theodore Veniamis stated that the union cannot unsee the uncertainties regarding the availability and supply of MARPOL compliant fuels which are also SOLAS compliant.
UGS also supports the effective implementation and enforcement of the new regulation through the a UN IMO institutionalized data collection, analysis and review stage.
Nevertheless, the union stated that:
We cannot turn a blind eye to the uncertainties regarding the availability and supply of MARPOL compliant fuels which are also SOLAS compliant, safe, fit-for-purpose and available worldwide, particularly in the bulk/tramp sector.
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Regarding scrubbers, Mr. Veniamis said that achieving compliance with this technology, ‘which in any case has questionable net environmental benefit, is the exception to the rule, especially in this sector due to its fundamental operational characteristics’.
Moreover, a lack of international standardization will increase complexity around the problem. After 2020, ships involved in bulk/tramp shipping will have to bunker untested and diverse fuel blends from different sources around the world, which are especially problematic UGS believes.
What is more, the stakeholders of the bunker supply chain have recognised the possible safety and operational issues regarding the supply and use of 0.5% sulphur fuels and are proposing the issuance of extensive guidance for ship operators and crews.
However, the responsibility of the marine bunker supply chain cannot be shifted onto ship operators and crews. Ship operators and crews should not be held disproportionately responsible for the safety and environmental consequences of the provision of unsafe or unsuitable fuels.
Furthermore, UGS welcomed the IMO guidance, but added that it is not enough, as it needs an institutionalised process to ensure the proper management of the 2020 sulphur cap issues. In this regard, the proposal made to the MEPC73 by flag states representing more than 46% of the world’s shipping capacity along with international shipping associations for an Experience-Building Phase contributes to this aim.