Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has joined with the World Shipping Council (WSC), BIMCO, and the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA) to call on IMO member states to fully implement the new global marine fuel sulfur cap, due to enter into force on 1st January, 2020.
The new rules have been known for a long time, and the industry has worked diligently to be ready to comply. However, the cost of compliance is high, so it is critical that the rule is consistently applied and enforced. There must be a level playing field if this important regulation is going to work, the organisations said.
Brian Salerno, CLIA’s Senior Vice President for Environmental Policy (pictured), said; “The cruise industry is prepared for the 2020 global sulfur limit through a diverse approach using low sulfur fuels, alternative technologies, such as exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) and new ships propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. Consistent application of the requirements globally remains critical, as adopted by the IMO.”
“Recent reports suggesting that some nations might not fully implement the new rules are disturbing. Lack of full implementation would risk undermining improvements to public health and the environment,” said John Butler, President & CEO of the World Shipping Council.
“The rules and implementation date for the new sulfur limits are clear and must be enforced. We urge any country considering deviation to abandon those ideas and put plans in place to fulfill their enforcement responsibilities as of 1st January, 2020, and we encourage the IMO to remind member states of their commitments,” he added.
Angus Frew, BIMCO Secretary General and CEO, commented; “The primary reason to move to low sulfur fuel is to improve air quality. For nations not to implement this regulation is to continue to put at risk the health of their coastal populations.”
IPTA Chairman, Manish Jain, said “IPTA members are supportive of the IMO as the sole agency with the mandate to regulate global shipping. 1st January 2020 will herald a major change for ship operations and IPTA members have been working hard to prepare for it. It is important that IMO member states play their part in ensuring consistent implementation of the global sulphur cap that they developed and adopted.”
Butler concluded: “There is a lot at stake for the IMO community here. This regulation affects vessel operations 24/7/365 everywhere on the planet, and it will be expensive. This will be an important test case for IMO member states to demonstrate that they will exercise the political will to implement and enforce the fuel sulfur limits they have adopted.”
