EC proposes alternatives to using low-sulphur fuel

Ships will be allowed to use technologies such as exhaust gas cleaning systems as an alternative to using low-sulphur fuels (See “EC proposes to lower the permissible sulphur level of shipping fuels” in yesterday’s FTWOnline). Other changes proposed include more unified reporting and verification, and sampling provisions aligned with international standards. While the new rules will pose challenges for the sector, the use of alternative abatement technologies will significantly reduce compliance costs and stimulate innovation and resource efficiency, said the EC. Heavy fuel oils used in ships can have a sulphur content of up to 5%. In comparison, the sulphur content of fuels used in trucks or cars must not exceed 0.001%. The proposal incorporates new International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards into EU law and needs approval from the European Parliament and EU member states.