It will cut the risk of coastal pollution
Banning cruise ships carrying heavy fuel oil from the waters around Antarctica will cut the risk of coastal pollution, a new report says.
The Federal Parliament treaties committee has recommended Australia ratify an international treaty amendment outlawing the use of heavy fuel oil in Antarctica, in a report released.
Committee chairman Kelvin Thomson said increased cruise ship activity in Antarctic waters posed a pollution risk.
The extreme weather conditions in Antarctica meant if spills did occur the decomposition of the oil would be slow, he said.
Under the treaty, ships involved in rescue work and those owned by governments, such as research vessels, naval vessels and auxiliary vessels would be exempt.
“While Australian government flagged vessels are exempt from the treaty, it is worth noting that Australia continues to demonstrate its leadership in marine environment protection by ensuring its own vessels, do not use or carry heavy fuel oils,” Mr Thomson said.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will enforce the new regulations with port inspections, including monitoring of the oil record books.
The research vessel chartered by the Australian Antarctic Division, the Aurora Australis, is already compliant.
However, the division contracts Russian flagged vessels for supply delivery and waste removal, which use fuel that would be banned under the treaty.
The report said this fleet was nearing 30 years old and was expected to be replaced within the next five years.
Source: AAP
