IMO Takes "Massive Step" Toward Phase Out of HFO Use in the Arctic: NGOs

The HFO-Free Arctic Campaign says IMO has taken a "massive step" toward the phase out of HFO use by ships in the Arctic.

The HFO-Free Arctic Campaign Friday, following news of the decision by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for a 0.5 percent global sulfur cap on marine fuel to be implemented from 2020, called progress made by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) this week at MEPC's 70th session a "massive step" toward the phase out of HFO use by vessels operating in the Arctic.

"By recognising the threats posed by spills and black carbon emissions from heavy fuel oil, the IMO today took a massive step towards the phase out of this dirty fuel from ships sailing in Arctic waters. Getting HFO out of the Arctic will protect the environment and human health, and protect coastal communities and food security," said Dr. Sian Prior, Clean Arctic Alliance advisor.

"IMO member countries must now capitalise on this momentum, by bringing forward concrete proposals in time for the May 2017 MEPC meeting, both to ensure the end of the HFO era, and that the shipping industry starts transitioning towards cleaner fuels, as it expands its operations in the Arctic's fragile and sensitive environment."

As Ship & Bunker reported earlier this month, the Clean Arctic Alliance, a new coalition of not-for-profit organisations, underlined concerns previously raised by some of its members, which include Seas At Risk, Transport & Environment (T&E), and WWF.

"Yesterday's IMO decision to cut sulphur content in shipping fuels to 0.5% by 2020 was also crucial, as it will reduce the volume of HFO used by Arctic shipping," said Prior.

"However, the reduction will not eliminate the use of HFO in the Arctic, and a phase out remains the most desirable way forward."

Prior notes that, by stopping the use of HFO in Arctic shipping, IMO will minimise the risks of an HFO spill and reduce CO2 emissions in the region.

Yesterday, NGOs T&E and Seas At Risk welcomed the IMO decision for a 0.5 percent global sulfur cap on marine fuel to be implemented in 2020, rather than the proposed delayed date of 2025, hailing it a "a landmark decision."