There has been reports of considerable reduction in pollution levels after the successful implementation of ECAs after 1st January 2015. MFAME reported earlier about China’s New ECZ (Emission Control Zones) which will require the vessels to burn low sulphur fuel when the ships are at berth.
Now, sources confirm that the vessels calling ports in the Yangtze River Delta, including Shanghai, will have to burn low sulphur fuel while at berth from 1 April 2016. The Yangtze River Delta is the first of three major port areas to make a 0.5% ECA compulsory. A circular from P&I club Skuld said meant the rules will become compulsory in Yangtze River core ports – Shanghai port, Zhoushan port, Ningbo port, Suzhou port including Zhanjiagang, Changshu and Taicang, Nantong port – from the beginning of April.
Until the end of 2017 ships will be required to use fuel of less than 0.5% sulphur content while berthing excluding the one hour before departure and arrival. From 2018 the requirement to burn low sulphur will be extended to the whole duration of berthing and from 2019 the entire time a vessel is within the ECA area.
Before the end of 2019 the Chinese government will evaluate the effectiveness of the ECAs and decide whether to reduce the sulphur content to below 0.1%, enlarge the ECAs or other measures.
To know more – Read MFAME’S FREE ebook on these recent regulations – DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY HERE
