IMO’s ban will come into force this August
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) expects IMOs ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO), which come into force this August, to lead to a decrease in the the number of voyages by 500-plus passenger vessels from 12 this past season to just five in 2011-12.
Passenger numbers on these category from 14,373 to less than 5,000 for the 2011-12 season. As a result, Because of this and the lingering effects of the slow economy, the overall number of visitors traveling with IAATO operators next season is projected at 25,319, a 25 percent decline from the season just ended.
Antarctic tourism numbers have been trending downward since the 2007-08 season when IAATO members carried a total of 46,265 visitors to Antarctica, noted Steve Wellmeier, Executive Director of IAATO. The decline to date has largely been the result of the effects of the economic slowdown worldwide. While we expect this to continue playing a role, there is little question that the more significant factor in next years lower numbers is the consequence of the HFO ban. The result will be visitor numbers overall that mirror those of a decade ago.
Wellmeier adds that the priority for IAATO is to remain focused on its mission of safe, environmentally responsible travel, regardless of the number of visitors or upward or downward trends.
Source: World Bunkering