Update 23 August 2016
Local correspondents Huatai have advised that reduced sulphur limits will take effect in the port of Shenzhen from 1 October 2016. From this date, vessels berthed at Shenzhen port will be required to use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5%.
It is understood that the other core ports within the Pearl River Delta ECA will introduce the 0.5% sulphur limit on 1 January 2017 as per the original schedule.
Huatai’s circular can be read here.
22 February 2016
Local correspondents Huatai Insurance Agency and Consultant Service Ltd have issued a circular that provides further details on the Yangtze River Delta emission control area. The circular summarises the requirements of the document “Notice on Enhancing Supervision and Administration of ECAs” issued by the Chinese MSA. The Huatai circular can be viewed here.
25 January 2016
The Chinese Ministry of Transport have issued a notice advising that ports in the Yangtze River Delta have exercised their discretion to adopt more stringent sulphur limits in 2016.
From 1 April 2016, the Yangtze River Delta core ports – Shanghai, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Suzhou and Nantong – will require that vessels use fuel of less than 0.5% sulphur content whilst at berth. This excludes one hour before departure and arrival.
It is also understood that the authorities are encouraging vessels to go further than the new mandatory requirement. They wish to encourage vessels to burn fuels with a sulphur content less than 0.1% whilst at berth and to use 0.5% maximum sulphur fuel when operating within the emission control area.
11 December 2015
Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd issued further information on the new regulations and can be read here.
New Emission Control Areas in China
Three new emission control areas will be established in China. They have been created to reduce the levels of ship-generated air pollution and mainly focus on the sulphur content of fuels. These areas are the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Delta and Bohai Bay. It should be noted that these emission control areas arise as a matter of Chinese domestic law and are not MARPOL Annex VI designated emission control areas.
Details of these areas were first announced in when the “Ship and Port Pollution Prevention Special Action Plan (2015-2020)” was issued by the Chinese Ministry of Transport. This was followed by the implementation plan which was released in December 2015.
The new regulations apply to all vessels entering or operating within the emission control areas, with the exception of military, pleasure craft and fishing vessels.
Boundaries and Core Ports
As part of the implementation process a number of ‘core ports’ have been identified. The boundaries and core ports for each emission control area are as follows:
Pearl River Delta:
Core ports in the Pearl River Delta are Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Hong Kong
Yangtze River Delta:
Core ports in the Yangtze River Delta are Shanghai, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Suzhou and Nantong
Bohai Bay:
Core ports in Bohai Bay are Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan and Huanghua
Timeline of New Sulphur Limits
The limiting of the sulphur content of the fuels used within the emission control areas will be a staged process. Also, there are provisions for vessels to take alternative measures to comply with the new rules, such as connecting to shore power – also known as cold ironing – or using clean energy fuels. Another alternative is to use an exhaust gas scrubber.
The details in the timeline for the regulations are not clear at present. But it is understood to be as follows:
From 1 January 2016: Strict enforcement of the existing international conventions and domestic laws and regulations on sulphur oxides, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The notable change is the indication that there will be stricter enforcement of the existing international and domestic requirements.
In addition, the ports within the emission control areas have the option to introduce a 0.5% sulphur limit and/or other control measures. In view of this option, it will be necessary to monitor developments on a port-by port basis.
From 1 January 2017: Vessels at berth in a core port within an emission control area should use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% – except one hour after arrival and one hour before departure.
From 1 January 2018: Vessels at berth in any port within an emission control area should use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% – except one hour after arrival and one hour before departure.
From 1 January 2019: Vessels operating within an emission control area should use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5%.
At a date which has yet to be advised after 31 December 2019 there will be an assessment made by the Chinese authorities with a view to adopt one or more of the following:
- Reducing the maximum sulphur content to 0.1% for vessels operating in the emission control area
- Expand the geographical size of the emission control areas
- Consider any other further initiatives
Members are advised to keep up to date on how this new staged regulation process progresses. Where necessary have sufficient compliant low sulphur bunkers to comply with the Chinese domestic requirements.
Check the situation with local agents well in advance of calling at an affected port.
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Source: The North of England P&I
