Leading environmental organizations and global shipping industry joined in calling for explicit prohibition on the carriage of non-compliant marine fuels when global 0.5% sulphur cap takes effect in 2020.
IMO agreed that from January 1, 2020 the marine fuel's maximum permitted sulphur content (outside Emission Control Areas) will reduce to 0.5% (from 3.5%). Unless vessels are using approved equivalent compliance methods, there should be no reason for them to be carrying non-compliant fuels for combustion onboard.
The new 2020 sulphur cap is to provide substantial human and environmental health benefits as a result of reduced sulphur content of marine fuels. At the same time, the cap is to significantly increase the operating costs of ships and presents major challenges to governments which must ensure consistent enforcement across the globe.
Any failure by governments to ensure implementation and enforcement could lead to unfair competition and serious market distortion.