EMEA News
IBIA Praises Call for Early Review of Fuel Availability
The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) praised the United Kingdom for its push for an early review of the availability of low-sulfur fuel in an emailed statement Thursday.
"Our members need clarity and the sooner that the availability study is undertaken, the better," said IBIA Chief Executive Peter Hall.
A global 0.50 percent cap of fuel's sulfur content is due to take effect at the start of 2020 under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules, but the date could be extended to 2025 depending on the outcome of the availability study.
IBIA said the shipping, refining, and bunker sectors needs definitive dates so that they can make plans for adoption of lower-sulfur fuel.
The group also noted that Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) are already adopting limits on sulfur, most recently in Hong Kong, which plans to introduce a 0.5 percent limit on sulfur content with its waters starting in January 2015.
UK Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond said last week that the review should begin at the start of 2015 and that an agreement on the timing of the review is "vital."
