Australia Limits Sulfur Content in Bunkers at Sydney Harbour to 0.1%

All cruise ships berthing at Sydney Harbour are now required to use fuel with no more than a 0.1 percent sulfur content.

The Australian Government Thursday announced that, in an effort to limit sulfur emissions, all cruise ships berthing at Sydney Harbour will be required to burn fuel with maximum sulfur content of 0.1 percent, or utilise an alternative method to deliver the same outcome.

"Significant penalties apply for not complying with such directions," said Darren Chester, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, upon the announcement of the new regulation.

"Both Carnival Australia and Royal Caribbean, the two major users of the White Bay Cruise Terminal have voluntarily complied with the NSW Government's 0.1 percent limit, which is a great outcome," Chester noted.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will now direct cruise ships at berth adhere to the new regulations, which Chester says will help protect residents from potentially harmful emissions, as well as the local tourism industry.

"We welcome these valuable visitors, but we also need to regulate the presence of cruise ships to ensure we retain a healthy working harbour," said Chester.

"I've heard the concerns of local residents living close to the White Bay cruise ship terminal in Sydney Harbour about exhaust emissions—today's announcement will address those issues."

Chester says AMSA will now consult with the broader cruise ship industry on the implementation of the new rules.

Last year, Ship & Bunker reported that cruise ships travelling in Sydney Harbour had been given another three years to outfit vessels with scrubbers in order to meet the new sulfur emission requirements.