EMEA News
Timing of Low-Sulfur Fuel Review "Vital"
A review of the availability of low-sulfur fuel should start at the beginning of 2015, UK Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond told a gathering of government and industry representatives at London Shipping Week Tuesday, according to a government statement.
"Reaching agreement on the new sulphur limits in 2008 was a notable achievement, and as a consequence enhanced the reputation of the IMO," Hammond said.
"Now it is vital to agree the timing of this review."
Hammond and Koji Sekimizu, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), organised the event to focus on dispelling uncertainty around the review start date, which they warned could delay important investment decisions.
"Annex VI stipulates that the review must be completed by 2018, but there is nothing to say that it cannot be completed earlier," Sekimizu said.
"Indeed, there is a strong argument that early completion of the review of the availability of low sulphur fuel will give more time for all concerned, including the refinery industry, to take the necessary action and react in time to meet the requirements if such a need is identified."
Limits on sulfur in marine fuel used outside Emission Control Areas (ECAs) are set to drop from their current level of 3.50 percent to 0.50 percent starting January 1, 2020, subject to the review of the lower-sulfur fuel's availability.
Sekimizu has previously called for governments to help with the cost of low-sulfur fuel.
