IMO's 2020 sulphur cap is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2020, mandating that ships' fuel contains no more than 0.5% m/m of sulphur. The implementation of the global 2020 sulphur cap will have considerable implications on ship operators, the fuel oil supply chain and the industry as a whole.

For the purpose of facilitating smooth and consistent implementation of the global 2020 sulphur cap, the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda will carry out a joint information campaign by issuing a letter of warning to ships during inspections from 1 January to 31 December 2019. The aim is to increase awareness of the ships’ crew and company on the matter and to remind and encourage compliance with Regulations 14 (*1,*2) and 18 of MARPOL Annex VI from 1 January 2020.

The letter of warning will be issued to ships found not yet ready for compliance with the 2020 sulphur cap. The following check boxes indicate the areas investigated:

  1. SOx records □
  2. Sulphur oxides □
  3. Sulphur content of fuel used □
  4. Alternative arrangements (SOx) □

Moving further, from 1 January 2020, PSC Officers will put further emphasis on the following items:

  1. That the ship carries on board fuel oil with a sulphur content depending on the area of operation
  2. There are records of the bunker delivery notes (BDNs) and associated samples or records thereof are kept onboard
  3. There are written procedures on board covering fuel oil change over operations where appropriate
  4. That the Master and ship’s personnel are familiar with essential fuel oil management procedures
  5. That the ship has an appropriate approval for any installed exhaust gas cleaning systems, or equivalent means, if required.