The Merchant Shipping Directorate has issued a technical notice to remind all concerned that the global 0.50% m/m limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships established by regulation 14.1.3 of MARPOL Annex VI shall enter into force from the 01st January 2020. This Regulation is aimed to limit the sulphur in fuel oil to 0.50% (except for ships using ‘equivalent’ compliance mechanisms) when operating outside of designated Emission Control Areas.

Attention is also drawn to IMO Resolution (MEPC.305 (73)) on the Prohibition on the Carriage of Non-Compliant Fuel Oil for Combustion Purposes for Propulsion or Operation on board a Ship, which prohibits the carriage of fuel having a sulphur content above 0.50% as from 01st March 2020.

This 0.50% m/m sulphur cap will entail advance planning and preparation from the vessel owners  in order to ensure effective implementation and compliance.

Also, in anticipation of the implementation of the said Regulation, the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU have launched a joint Information Campaign in order to facilitate smooth and consistent implementation of the necessary requirements.

Click here to read the Technical Notice Marpol 8, as issued by Transport Malta, or contact us on [email protected] for further guidance and information.