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China to enforce low sulphur ECA at Yangtze River Delta ports from 1 April

Vessels calling ports in the Yangtze River Delta, including Shanghai, will have to burn low sulphur fuel while at berth from 1 April this year.

Marcus Hand, Editor

January 25, 2016

1 Min Read
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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.

China’s Ministry of Transport announced in December last year plans to set up three ECAs the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta and Bohai-rim waters.

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.

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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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