Ahead of the 2020 sulphur cap, MPA Singapore warned captains and owners of ships that are caught burning non-compliant fuel, that they could face up to two years in prison. In addition, other penalties can also take place, such as a fine of up to S$10,000 ($7,400).
Singapore already has strict laws on air pollution. Now, in light of the 2020 sulphur cap, if a ship is found non-compliant, the owner and the master may be considered responsible and face a fine of up to $7,400, or even a prison term of up to two years.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
However, Bloomberg cited a local lawyer, who said that the prison sentence is only likely in case that relevant authorities find other non-compliances as well, like falsified documents.
MPA Singapore will use fuel-testing service providers to conduct detailed laboratory analysis of fuel samples. It will also use electronic systems for vessels to declare their method of compliance before arrival.
MEPC 72 adopted an initial strategy, which envisages, for the first time, a reduction in total GHG emissions from shipping which should peak as soon as possible and to reduce the total annual GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008.
At the same time, the strategy pursues efforts towards phasing them out entirely. The strategy includes a specific reference to “a pathway of CO2 emissions reduction consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goals”.
