Panama calls for pragmatic approach to sulphur cap implementation

Panama’s recommendations were made by Jorge Barakat, Minister of Maritime Affairs after a meeting at Posidonia in Athens with the President of the European Community Shipowner's Association, Panagiotis Laskaridi. 

The measures proposed that will serve as a strategy for the reduction of sulphur emissions, include the following:

- The means to communicate to Port State Control authorities the right information on inspection;

- A standard format for communicating to the authorities on the cases of non-availability of compliant fuel;

- A mandatory adoption of the latest edition of ISO standard 8754 as the reference test method for sulphur contents; and 

- The measures for an appropriate handling of samples.

In view of this new challenge, the Panama Maritime Authority calls on States to adopt a pragmatic approach for a smooth transition of the sulphur levels in fuel from 3.50%m/m to 0.5%m/m. 

This will require collaboration and clear communication from all stakeholders, while also being aware and addressing any safety implications related to the implementation of this new sulphur cap.