Hotline email for IMO 2020 implementation queries created

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) said it has set up a dedicated hotline email address for queries on the global regulation setting a cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil for ships. ​

The global regulation that will substantially reduce harmful sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships comes into effect from January 1, 2020, bringing significant benefits for both human health and the environment, IMO said in a statement.

The global upper limit will be reduced to 0.50% from 3.50%. Known as “IMO 2020,” the reduced limit is mandatory for all ships operating outside certain designated Emission Control Areas, where the limit is already 0.10%.

The new limit will mean a 77% drop in overall SOx emissions from ships, equivalent to an annual reduction of about 8.5 million metric tonnes of SOx. Particulate matter—tiny harmful particles which form when fuel is burnt—will also be reduced.

As a result, reductions in stroke, asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are expected. Cutting sulfur emissions from ships will also help prevent acid rain and ocean acidification, benefitting crops, forests and aquatic species.

“To support smooth implementation, the IMO Secretariat has set up a dedicated hotline email address for any queries from Member States and the shipping industry as the regulation comes into effect,” said the statement.

“Member State and industry queries and updates and experience with implementation can be sent to the IMO Secretariat, at the dedicated email address: imo2020@imo.org.”

Meanwhile, to supply compliant fuel oil, refineries may blend fuel oils with a higher and lower sulfur content. Additives may be used to enhance other properties, such as lubricity.

“Ships may also use different fuels, with low or even zero sulphur—for example, liquefied natural gas, or biofuels. However, mixture and co-mingling of different fuels are not recommended on board the ship,” said IMO.

“Shipowners should refer to the relevant International Standardization Organization (ISO) standards (ISO 8217 and ISO/PAS 23263:2019). Shipowners should test compatibility, stability and other relevant characters of compliant fuels to be used,” it added.

Limiting air pollutants by installing exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as “scrubbers,” is accepted if flag states approve it as an alternative means to meet the sulfur limit requirement. Scrubbers remove sulfur oxides from the ship’s engine and boiler exhaust gases, enabling ships fitted with them to continue to use heavy fuel oil, in accordance with IMO guidelines.

The new limit is part of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships (MARPOL), a key environmental treaty spearheaded by the IMO.

The decision to cut the global limit for sulfur in ships fuel oil to 0.50% was made in 2008 and confirmed again in October 2016.

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said, “For the past three years, IMO Member States, the shipping industry and fuel oil suppliers have been working tirelessly to prepare for this major change in the sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil. I am confident that the benefits will soon be felt and that implementation will be smooth.”

Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay