EMEA News
VPS: Enforcement "Key Area" for European ECA Rules
Enforcement will be the key to success for the new limit on the sulfur content of bunkers within European emissions control areas (ECAs), fuel tester Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) told industry news site Seatrade Global.
"Enforcement is one the key areas going forward," said Managing Director Eirik Andreassen.
"Some shipowners are very concerned about consistent enforcement."
Andreassen said Northern European states do not have a consistent approach to enforcement of the sulfur limit in the ECAs, which will fall from 1.0 percent to 0.10 percent on January 1, 2015.
He said some authorities, including the Port of Rotterdam, are using robust enforcement methods, including measuring exhaust gases and sampling at the engine inlet, as well as check paperwork, but others do not seem likely to follow suit.
At the same time, some authorities have penalties that are not sufficient to discourage ship operators from flouting the rules.
I think the biggest penalty you can get is being delayed or being withheld at the port, with increased port dues and loss of day rates," Andreassen said.
Shipowners have also organised a group called the Trident Alliance to address these concerns and push for consistent enforcement.
VPS changed its name from DNV Petroleum Services (DNVPS) after being acquired by private equity firm IK Investment Partners in October and is now looking to expand its services in the bunkering and shipping sectors.
