EMEA News
NW European Nations Agree to Develop ECA Compliance Initiatives
The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) say representatives from a number of North Western European countries have agreed to launch and develop initiatives to ensure efficient control of compliance with stricter Emission Control Area (ECA) rules that take effect on January 1, 2015.
The so called joint "musketeer oath" made last week aims to establish a "best practice" to supplement the formal cooperation on control.
Vessels operating within ECAs are currently required to use a marine fuel with a sulfur content not exceeding 1.0 percent by weight, or where permitted use an equivalent method of compliance.
On January 1, 2015 that limit will drop to 0.10 percent by weight, which the DMA says will require bunkers that are considerably more expensive.
"There will be a large economic incentive to bypass the regulations," it said.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) executive Roger Strevens last month noted that the cost of compliance was greater than the fines levied for non-compliance.
Among the initiatives agreed at last week's meeting were:
- The implementation of a regional inspection and information campaign with special focus on sulfur regulations
- Exchange of information regarding possible infringements with a view to appropriate follow-up
- Share experiences with the use of new sampling methods and monitoring technology
- Closer political coordination of sulfur-related issues in regional and international fora
Earlier this month Singapore based bunker and lubes trader Dynamic Oil Trading called for urgent preparation by operators to ensure they have the necessary supply of compliant bunkers in 2015.
