The amendment to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution form ships (MARPOL) sits alongside the 0.5% global low sulphur cap and prohibits the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil fuel by ships for the purposes of propulsion. The only exception is for vessels fitted with scrubbers.
IMO 2020 came into force on 1 January with the majority of owners opting to use compliant very low sulphur fuel oils or marine gas oil and a much smaller percentage choosing to install scrubbers or run vessels on alternative fuels such as LNG.
Speaking after IMO 2020 came into force in January this year IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim noted the carriage ban for non-compliant fuels on 1 March 2020 s the next key date.
“I urge all shipowners, operators and masters to comply with the carriage ban, where applicable, when it comes into effect. IMO will remain vigilant and ready to respond and provide any support,” Lim said.
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