IMO Secretary-General Stresses Importance of Smooth Implementation of 0.50% Sulfur Cap

Kitack Lim, IMO's Secretary-General, says the smooth implementation of the 0.50 percent global sulfur cap is "particularly important."

Kitack Lim, Secretary-General for the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Monday, in an opening address at the fourth session on the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR4), stressed that the committee's work toward a smooth implementation of a 0.50 percent global cap on sulfur in marine fuel in 2020 is of particular importance.

"At this session, you will embark on work concerning the implementation of the 0.50 percent global sulfur limit, including the preparation of a justification and scope for a new output on what additional measures may be developed to promote its consistent implementation, for consideration by MEPC 71 in July of this year," said Lim.

"I consider this matter as particularly important, since it will support the smooth and effective implementation of the sulfur cap, thus ensuring a significant beneficial impact on the environment and on human health, and at the same time maintaining the safe operation of ships."

As Ship & Bunker has reported, PPR4's agenda will also see the committee discuss the revision of guidelines on marine diesel engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx emissions, black carbon, and requirements for high-viscosity and persistent floating substances.

Further, the committee is also expected to complete the manual entitled "Ballast Water Management – How to do it," as well as finalise draft updates to the set of model training courses for oil pollution prevention, response, and cooperation

"I urge you to continue working together globally, throughout the year, to create and sustain an even safer, more secure, more environmentally friendly and more efficient maritime world," said Lim in his address to PPR.

"I will continue my effort in acting as a bridge among Member States to ensure communication and understanding, while pursuing a more efficient organisation, flexibly adapting our resources to the changing needs."

Earlier this month, Lim issued a letter to European Union (EU) officials, urging them to address shipping emissions as a united front with IMO, noting that its proposed regional action "significantly risks undermining efforts on a global level."