Muhtaroglu: Now is the Time for Shipping to Focus on 2020 0.50% Global Sulfur Cap

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday June 24, 2016

While the shipping industry has been faced with a number of economic distractions of late, it must now focus on the upcoming challenge of meeting the 0.50 percent global sulfur cap widely expected to come into force in 2020, Mustafa Muhtaroglu, Chief Executive of Energy Petrol has told Ship & Bunker.

As Ship & Bunker reported on Monday, early signs are that a study for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has found that there are no major barriers to producing enough compliant bunkers for the new rules.

"Shipping has been too busy with its issues, especially supply demand imbalances. However, the time is now approaching to think more about sulphur regulations and be prepared for 2020, which is not very far away," said Muhtaroglu.

"IBIA put the spotlight on the matter with an information piece on the global sulphur cap going out to its members on Monday, and as chairman of IBIA's commercial committee I am already receiving lots of responses from people including shipowners, bunker suppliers, traders, and refineries, which confirms IBIA has done very well in awakening the industry to the fact that the IMO could soon make a firm decision, and that decision may very well be 2020."

That firm decision by IMO may be made as early as October at the 70th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70).

"IBIA's board and its committees include high level professionals from the heart of the bunker industry who are working hard for all aspects of our business. We also have a deeper focus on IMO matters since Unni Einemo joined IBIA. We have contacted members this week to ask them if they want IBIA to bring issues surrounding the transition to the global cap to the attention of the IMO, and we appreciate any feedback and input by all members," said Muhtaroglu.

"We still have a lot to do but IBIA is working with members to handle the industry's most important issues, and help where we can. Concerned members and all related stakeholders are very welcome to contact IBIA for all industry matters."