NorthStandard P&I Club informs that from 19 February 2024, the port of Livorno introduced new requirements on the use of ultra-low sulphur fuels for calling vessels.
According to NorthStandard, law firm and Club Correspondent in Italy, Vincenzini-Batini, advise that the new sulphur requirements in Livorno are specified in a harbourmaster’s ordinance which was issued at the request of the municipality.
The new local rules go above and beyond the current EU ‘at-berth’ requirements, and now require calling vessels to change their auxiliary engines (diesel driven generators) to run on 0.10% max sulphur fuel before entering the roadstead, which is about three miles from the port entrance.
At departure, the auxiliary engines must remain on 0.10% max sulphur fuel until completely out of the roadstead.
This ordinance comes ahead of the introduction of the IMO’s Mediterranean Sulphur Emission Control Area in May 2025, when the sulphur limit in marine fuels for use in all machinery (main engines, auxiliary engines and boilers) will fall from the current 0.50% to 0.10%.
During MEPC 79, IMO decided to designate the Mediterranean as a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA), marking a significant step forward towards cleaner air in the whole region. The amendment is expected to enter into force on 1 May 2024, with the new limit taking effect from 1 May 2025.
