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The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) says that it is currently focussed on seeking clarification regarding the manner in which new sulphur content regulation will be implemented in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) from next year.

ECAs are sea areas where strict controls have been established to minimize airborne emissions from ships as defined by Annex VI of the 1997 MARPOL Protocol, which originally came into effect in May 2005. New regulations are set to be implemented as part of a phased approach over the coming years, with the next phase due to come into effect at the beginning of 2015.

The new legislation will require vessels operating in ECAs from January 1, 2015 to comply with a 0.10 percent sulphur limit on marine fuel. It means ships currently running on intermediate fuel oil (IFO) whilst operating in ECAs will need to switch to higher-priced marine gas oil (MGO) in order to ensure a reduction from 1.0 percent to 0.1 percent sulphur content. Alternatively, the exhaust gas must be cleaned with an exhaust gas cleaning system (or 'scrubber') to obtain an equivalent reduction.

To mark the occasion of IMO World Maritime Day on 25 September, and its theme this year of 'IMO Conventions: Effective Implementation', ICS has produced a special brochure, which is being circulated throughout the industry by its member national shipowners' associations.

The ICS brochure highlights the importance of global rules for a global industry, and the need for governments to ratify and implement IMO Conventions and regulations.

On the issue of implementation of new sulphur content rules, ICS says: "One of ICS’s current priorities is to seek clarification from regional Port State Control (PSC) authorities as to the way in which the 0.1% sulphur in fuel requirements will be implemented in Emission Control Areas from January 2015."

The brochure can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

IMO Conventions: Effective Implementation - The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) .