On 21st Dec 2018, Tokyo MOU issued a press release stating that, the Maritime Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will start issuing a letter of warning from 1 January 2019 on the sulphur content of marine fuels during inspections. This is done to increase awareness of and to encourage timely compliance with the new requirements says the press release.
The stringent regulation
The requirement of maximum sulphur content of 0.50% m/m for marine fuel oil will enter into force on 1 January 2020, which is known as the global 2020 sulphur cap.
The implementation of the global 2020 sulphur cap will have considerable implications on ship operators, the fuel oil supply chain and the industry as a whole.
Campaign through Warning Letters
For the purpose of facilitating smooth and consistent implementation of the global 2020 sulphur cap, the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda will carry out a joint information campaign by issuing a letter of warning to ships during inspections from 1 January to 31 December 2019.
The aim is to increase awareness of the ship’s’ crew and company on the matter and to remind and encourage compliance with Regulations 14 and 18 of MARPOL Annex VI from 1 January 2020. According to Regulation 14, in Emission Control Areas the sulphur content of fuel oil used on board shall not exceed 0.10% m/m as amended by MEPC.305(73).
Criteria looked to issue warning
The letter of warning will be issued to ships found not yet ready for compliance with the relevant requirements that will enter into force on 1 January 2020.
The checklist for inspection is:
- SOx records
- Sulphur Oxides
- Sulphur Content of Fuel used
- Alternative arrangements (SOx)
The letter of warning which may be issued was attached to the press release.
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Source: TokyoMoU
