Following a relatively smooth implementation of the main part of the IMO 2020 regulation, the next level of the non-compliant fuel carriage ban has now entered into force. Starting from 1st March 2020, ships are banned from even carrying fuel that contains a sulphur content higher than 0.5%, unless there is a scrubber installed.
In regard to the implementation, the International Chamber of Shipping issued a warning to shipowners and operators of the ban and reiterated the fact that any ships found to be non-compliant face the prospect of detention, as PSC authorities began to enforce the regulation from 1st March.
In fact, from that date on, enforcement agencies will no longer have to prove usage. Showing that vessels without Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems have non compliant fuel aboard will be enough to prove a violation.
Since the introduction of IMO 2020 on 1st January, ships have been given a ‘grace period’ while the industry transitions to low-sulphur fuel. As of 1st March this will no longer be the case. Any ship found in non-compliance faces the prospect of serious fines and even detention,
… Guy Platten, Secretary General ICS said.
Earlier in 2020, authorities and port regimes made clear that there will be no exceptions to the implementation of the fuel carriage ban.
Namely, the Tokyo and Paris MoUs issued a joint statement, followed by a similar announcement by the Indian Ocean MoU, highlighting that there will be no exceptions.
The Memoranda have been issuing letters to vessels since 2019, to remind them of the new requirements and the date of application.
In addition, major authorities including the USCG and AMSA have also made it plain that they will rigorously enforce the requirements, noting that detention of non-compliant ships is both possible and legally permissible.
The information ICS has received is that shipowners are fully compliant and ready for the 1st March. We are simply reminding shipowners and operators that these new rules will come into force as of Sunday 1st March.
