From 1 January 2020, the new 0.5% m/m global limit for sulphur in fuel used on board ships comes into effect. Parties in the bunker chain i.e. those involved in the production, distribution, storage, handling and use of bunker fuels have expressed concerns over the practical implementation of this new global limit, a substantial drop from the current 3.5% m/m. A Joint Industry Project (JIP) was therefore established to raise awareness of the issues which might arise.
As Members may be aware from previous bulletins on the subject, new regulations related to Fuel Oil sulphur content will come into force from 01 Jan 2020. To prepare the maritime industry, various port states have released guidance on how changes will be implemented.
Polar Code - Update
17/02/2016
IMO has adopted the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) which is expected to enter into force on the 1st January 2017. This marks an historic milestone in the protection of ships and both seafarers and passengers, in the harsh environment of the waters surrounding the two poles.
IMO: Criteria for entry into force of BWM Convention not yet reached - further ratifications needed
21/01/2016
Further to the UK P&I Club's recent update on the BWMC 2004, the IMO confirmed on the 18th January 2016 that forty-seven countries have now ratified the convention, substantially more than the 30 required, but their combined fleets comprise, at most, 34.56 per cent of global tonnage, the 35% global tonnage required for the Convention to enter into force has yet to be attained.
Following the investigation into the loss of a 10 year old bulk carrier (the most likely cause being liquefaction of cargo) The IMO subcommittee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) have issued a circular warning of the dangers of carrying Bauxite.
In recent week's more than 2000 migrants were rescued form the Mediterranean Sea, and several hundred lost their lives
IMO FAQs relating to new requirements relating to sulphur emissions that are due to enter into force in emission control areas on 1st January 2015
The International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, adopted at a Diplomatic Conference organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Nairobi in 2007, will enter into force on 14th April 2015, 12 months after ten states have ratified it. Those 10 States are: Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, India, Iran, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Palau and the United Kingdom.