THE uncertainty surrounding the start date of the low sulphur fuel review needs to be cleared up, with British Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond saying the review should start at the "earliest realistic date consistent with adequate information.
IMO and UK see need to set date for low sulphur fuel availability review
THE uncertainty surrounding the start date of the low sulphur fuel review needs to be cleared up, with British Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond saying the review should start at the "earliest realistic date consistent with adequate information being practically available", which the UK considers to be this January.
Speaking at the London International Shipping Week, Mr Hammond said: "Reaching agreement on the new sulphur limits in 2008 was a notable achievement and as a consequence enhanced the reputation of the IMO. Now it is vital to agree on the timing of this review.
"Uncertainty around dates is likely to delay crucial investment decisions. All sectors of the shipping and petrochemical industry would be better able to plan, control costs and manage the transition once we have a date for the review," Mr Hammond said, reported London's Tanker Operator.
IMO Secretary General Koji agreed: "IMO has set a goal for sulphur regulations in 2008 and the current global target is set for 2020. It is important for IMO to act now to have a clear picture on the availability of the required quantity of the low sulphur fuel, as soon as possible.
"Annex VI stipulates that the review must be completed by 2018, but there is nothing to say that it cannot be completed earlier. Indeed, there is a strong argument that early completion of the review of the availability of low sulphur fuel will give more time for all concerned, including the refinery industry, to take the necessary action and react in time to meet the requirements if such a need is identified."
Britain plans to submit a paper on the subject for the consideration of the next session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) next spring, said Mr Hammond.
The consensus to determine when to begin the low sulphur fuel review was welcomed by UK Chamber of Shipping.
"The sooner it can start the sooner the shipping and refining industries will have the certainty required to plan investment for the future," a chamber spokesman said.
"Given the time required for refiners to build new plant to meet the expected demand then ideally the study should have started already, but 2015 is preferable to 2017," he said.
"The UK Chamber is greatly concerned about the impact for shipping operating in the ECAs (Emission Control Areas), for which targets to reduce sulphur are set for 2015," he said.