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SEALNG backs IMO carriage ban of noncompliant fuels

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SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel, today voiced its support for the carriage ban on noncompliant fuels proposed by the International Maritime Organization when the 0.5% sulphur fuel limit comes into force in January 2020.

The IMO's Subcommittee on Pollution Prevention and Response has agreed draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, prohibiting the carriage of noncompliant fuel oil for use on board that exceeds the 0.5% sulphur limit due to come into effect Jan. 1, 2020. This carriage ban does not apply to ships with an approved equivalent arrangement to meet the sulphur limit, such as an exhaust gas cleaning system, or scrubber.

'We urge formal approval of this proposal at MEPC 72 in April to ensure early adoption at MEPC 73 [in October]. This will allow the shipping industry to work with the IMO, flag and port state authorities to develop robust and consistent enforcement processes in a timely manner,' said Peter Keller, SEA\LNG chairman and EVP, Tote.

He continued: 'A carriage ban, as proposed, will provide greater certainty to shipping lines considering new build and retrofit investment options for compliant marine fuelling solutions such as LNG. It lessens the chances of these investments being undercut by less scrupulous operators looking to burn noncompliant fuels. It will also send a strong message to suppliers, urging them to make the necessary investments in plants and infrastructure to deliver compliant marine fuels.'

Also calling for an explicit prohibition on the carriage of noncompliant marine fuels are environmental organizations and the global shipping industry, including Cruise Lines International Association.