IMO Rules Out Possible Delay to 2020 Date for 0.50% Global Sulfur Cap on Bunkers: IBIA

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday July 18, 2017

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has ruled out any delay or phased transition of the lower 0.50 percent global sulfur cap on bunkers set to come into force in 2020, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has said in a report following its attendance at last week's 71st session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 71).

Among the points up for discussion were two papers that suggested IMO should collect data to better understand how regional variations if refining capability as well as the uptake of scrubbers by vessels would impact the supply and demand picture for bunkers in 2020.

"Obtaining such data on the cusp of the implementation date, along with non-availability reports provided to the IMO from the start of 2020, would help assess where availability of compliant fuels is problematic and also get a clearer picture of when and how the situation is improving," stated IBIA at MEPC 71.

"If such data are made available for dissemination to member states it may assist their authorities when assessing fuel oil non availability reports."

However, the majority of member states rejected the proposal, which in essence would have allowed IMO to take stock of bunker availability ahead of 2020.

The full IBIA report on the topic can be read herehttp://ibia.net/mepc-71-2020-deadline-reaffirmed-as-imo-agrees-to-promote-consistent-implementation/