"Sea of Question Marks" Remains Over Enforcement of 0.5% Sulfur Cap: Trident Alliance

Anna Larsson, Chair of the Trident Alliance. Image Credit: Trident Alliance

The implementation and enforcement of emissions control area (ECA) regulations remains "patchy," according to the Trident Alliance, and there remains a "sea of question marks" over the enforcement of the impending 0.50 percent global sulfur cap.

"We have seen an increased level of enforcement activity in several countries in Northern Europe, with some promising development in the area of airborne sensors which would enable monitoring of sulphur levels at sea and not just in port. Whilst these methods have exposed some sulphur-culprits, the legal framework in several countries appears not to be robust enough to bring them to justice," says Anna Larsson, Chair of the Trident Alliance.

"Even more concerning is the sea of question marks that remain around the introduction of the Global Sulphur Cap. A decision on the date of implementation is expected to take place this October, and it is imperative that the members of the IMO consider how to ensure effective and robust enforcement on the high seas."

Trident Alliance says an increasing number of companies are joining the coalition as a result of the uncertainty, with Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill) and Fjord Line this week named as the latest members to join the group that aims to bring together shipowners and operators to work toward "robust" implementation of sulfur regulations.

Existing members of the now 38-company alliance include Maersk Line, Hapag-Lloyd, J.Lauritzen, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics.

"Joining Trident Alliance we support that all shipping companies shall comply with the new environmental regulations and common actions against those who may not comply to secure a fair competitive business," said Morten Larsen, CTO of Fjord Line.

Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill's Ocean Transportation, said that as part of the Trident Alliance, "we are pleased to charter vessels that comply with maritime sulphur regulations to reduce our environmental impact and increase efficiency."

In June, Ship & Bunker reported that the Trident Alliance had written to the Swedish Minister of Infrastructure to protest the country's policy of charging shipowners to test their bunkers for compliance with European ECA rules.