The A P Moller-Maersk Group has voiced its opposition to delaying the January 1, 2020 implementation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations which require vessels to use fuel with a maximum 0.5% sulphur content.
“We welcome the stricter fuel regulation and have been preparing for five years for this transition so that it causes as little disruption as possible to our customers,” regulatory affairs director for A P Moller-Maersk, Simon Christopher Bergulf, said, referring to concerns raised about the shipping industry’s readiness for the IMO2020 implementation date.
He added that the Danish logistics group was “actively working” with suppliers and refineries to establish supply sources and ensure compliance and fuel availability by the deadline. According to Bergulf, the vast majority of ships in the global fleet would have to comply through the use of low sulphur fuels.
“Also important is the need for clear enforcement to ensure a level playing field between competitors,” he emphasised. An IMO spokesperson told FTW that monitoring, compliance and enforcement of the new sulphur limit fell to governments and national authorities of member states, meaning that sanctions and fines were a part of national legislation.
“IMO is working with member states as well as industry – including the shipping industry and the bunker supply and refining industry – to identify and mitigate transitional issues so that ships can meet the new requirement,” she said.
The IMO is developing guidance and standardised formats for reporting fuel oil non-availability and is considering verification and control issues. FTW reached out to various Department of Transport (DoT) contacts to determine if the national government had set sanctions or fines for noncompliance but there was no response.
