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The global sulphur limit for ships by 2020

The global sulphur limit for ships by 2020

The global sulphur limit for ships by 2020

The IMO – International Maritime Organisation – has set a global limit for the sulphur content of fuel oil used by all types of ships of 0.50% mass/mass from 1 January 2020. This is a regulation that will apply to all ships, including small ones, according to MARPOL regulations.

Currently, the global limit for the sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil is 3.50% mass/mass. The new global limit will be 0.50% mass/mass and will apply from next year. In other words, in the not too distant future, the world maritime sector will have to operate under this premise and must begin to prepare itself.In the case of RFL, it is already studying this requirement, which will have an impact on its maritime transport offer.

One of the advantages of implementing this limit is that it will considerably reduce the amount of sulphur oxide coming from ships, which will mean important benefits for the environment all over the planet.

Boat Operators and Owners

Operators and boat owners should already have started to plan their actions in order to be able to comply with the regulations taking into account:

  • Risk assessment and mitigation plan (impact of new fuels).
  • Modifications to the fuel oil system and tank cleaning.
  • Acquisition of compatible fuel.
  • Fuel oil changeover plan (from residual to fuel oil compatible with 0.50% sulphur).

Current supervision

Today, IMO monitors the sulphur content of fuel oil used on board ships around the world. Samples are taken of residual fuel oil (the “heavy” fuel normally used on ships) and distilled fuel oil (the “light”, low-sulphur fuel normally used in emission control areas).

IAPP Certificate

Vessels having fuel oil for use on board shall obtain a fuel delivery note, which shall state the sulphur content of the fuel oil supplied. Each State must issue to ships an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP Certificate). This certificate includes a section indicating that the ship uses fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding the applicable limit value as stated in the fuel delivery notes, or that it uses an equivalent provision. Monitoring – for example aerial monitoring – could also be used to assess smoke columns and other techniques to identify possible infringements.





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