Robust Implementation is Key to Success of 2020 0.5% Global Sulfur Cap: Trident Alliance

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday October 31, 2016

The Trident Alliance today has welcomed last week's decision by IMO to introduce a 0.5 percent global sulfur cap for marine fuel in 2020, but stresses the need for a robust implementation plan.

The group says that effective enforcement of the new global cap promises to be even more challenging than enforcing the current emissions control area (ECA) zones, and efforts there it has criticized as being "patchy".

For effective implementation, the signatories to Marpol Annex VI must adopt clear legal frameworks, together with a plan to ensure consistent implementation internationally, guidelines for robust enforcement and sanction schemes that are a real deterrent to non-compliance, says Trident Alliance.

“Strong engagement by the IMO member nations on effective implementation of the Global Sulphur Cap is as important as the committee’s decision this week,” said Anna Larsson, Chair of the Trident Alliance.

As part of its decision to move ahead with the 2020 implementation date, the MEPC also agreed to discuss measures needed to implement the 0.50 percent limit, and those discussions will begin at IMO’s PPR Sub-Committee when it meets in January 2017.

“A lot of work remains to ensure a level playing field for the industry and before the 0.5% Global Sulphur Cap will begin to have the intended impact on human health and the environment. Trident Alliance members will contribute as much as possible in this process, sharing their experience and insights from the implementation of sulphur regulations across the globe,” added Larsson.

The Trident Alliance is a coalition of 39 ship owners and operators working to ensure robust implementation of sulfur regulations across the globe.

Last month, Larsson said there was a "sea of question marks" over enforcement of the impending new sulfur cap.