BIMCO Calls for "Robust" Enforcement of ECA Rules

BIMCO has called on governments to exercise "robust" enforcement of the new, lower sulfur limit

With just over six weeks to go until the introduction of new rules governing the sulfur content of marine fuel used by vessels operating in Emissions Control Areas (ECAs), BIMCO has called on governments to exercise "robust" enforcement of the new, lower sulfur limit to ensure that the industry "is operating at a high level of compliance."

Speaking at a recent board meeting, BIMCO President John Denholm joined others in the industry, including Jacob Sterling, head of sustainability at Maersk Line, in stressing the importance of maintaining "a level playing field" for shipping companies operating within ECAs to ensure compliant companies were not left at a disadvantage to non-compliant companies.

"The maritime industry will shortly experience an unprecedented rise in operating costs as countries bordering ECAs implement very low limits for sulphur content in the fuel oils used by ships." said Denholm.

"BIMCO is calling on the governments of these countries to exercise robust enforcement of applicable sulphur limits to ensure a continued level playing field for ships operating in ECAs."

"Failure to do so would seriously expose compliant shipowners and operators who are bearing the high cost of ultra-low sulphur diesel oil."

From January 1, 2015 vessels operating within ECAs will be required to use a marine fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 0.10 percent by weight, down from the present limit of 1.0 percent.

Most operators are expected to turn to using MGO for compliance, which will result in a significant increase in bunker costs.

Some in the industry have suggested that lax enforcement and low penalties might encourage deliberate noncompliance as it could result in a lower overall cost.

BIMCO has published a position paper on the issue, which also says ECA enforcement should be an essential element of the forthcoming debate and decision in IMO on fuel availability.

Last month, A.P. Moeller-Maersk (Maersk Group) Regulatory Director, Niels Bjorn Mortensen said it had uncovered the methods of cheating ECA sulfur rules used by some operators.