EMEA News
Ship Agency and Broking Group Voices Concerns Over ECA Rules
The European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents (ECASBA) has expressed worry over the possible negative impact upcoming sulfur regulations will have on shipping in the Baltic and North Seas, Hellenic Shipping News reports.
The group said during a meeting that it had concerns over how European short sea and coastal shipping would be affected.
ECASBA is a subcommittee of The Federation of National Associations of Shipbrokers and Agents (FONASBA)
Beginning in 2015, sulfur content in marine fuel used in Emission Control Areas (ECA) cannot exceed 0.10 percent by weight, although equivalent methods of compliance may also be used.
Companies have therefore had to consider switching to traditional fuel with lower sulfur content, or invest in alternatives such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or scrubber technology.
Some Baltic ports have also made moves towards establishing LNG bunkering infrastructure.
