Intercargo says action must be taken to ensure a safe, smooth transition when IMO’s sulphur cap comes into force
In a release dated 19 July, the dry cargo shipowners’ association expressed “growing concern” regarding the magnitude of the challenge ahead for the shipping industry, describing the implementation of the sulphur cap on 1 January 2020 as a “sea change” in the marine fuels supply chain.
“It is extremely worrying that compliant fuels have so far been made available only in a limited number of ports and under unfavourable terms for voluntary early testing by ships, as charterers and operators are not currently obliged to purchase future-compliant fuel,” Intercargo said, warning that practical testing of fuels and crew training will be limited and pushed to the end of the year.
“This situation creates significant safety implications for the operation of ships, which could eventually threaten the safety of seafarers, ships and cargoes, as well as the environment,” the organisation said.
Intercargo has called for the following actions to be taken by fuel suppliers, charterers, owners and operators to address the situation:
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