The Tokyo and Paris MoUs on port state control said they are working together to ensure vessel owners and operators comply with the sulphur cap
Both the Paris and Tokyo MoU member authorities have issued letters to vessels since the beginning of 2019, to remind owners of the new requirements and the date of application.
Emphasis was especially placed on the requirements entering into force on 1 March 2020 prohibiting the carriage of non-compliant fuel for use on ships not equipped with scrubbers.
Where compliant fuel cannot be obtained, a fuel oil non-availability report must be submitted to the flag state and the competent authority in the next port of call.
Both memoranda say the sulphur cap will be applied without exception including the carriage ban on non-compliant fuel from 1 March 2020.
IMO said the transition has been relatively smooth and while prices for VLSFO and marine gas oil rose, they appeared to have stabilised.
Ten cases of compliant fuel being unavailable have been reported in IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System as of 20 January. However the IMO Secretariat’s dedicated email address has not received any specific correspondence reporting issues with implementation.
Secretary general Kitack Lim said the sulphur cap is being implemented successfully without any significant disruption to the industry and those who depend on it.
He added "The next important target is fast approaching, when carrying non-compliant fuel oil on board ships becomes prohibited on 1 March 2020. I urge all shipowners, operators and masters to comply with the carriage ban, where applicable, when it comes into effect.”
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