By
Cherie Rowlands |
The Council of the European Union agreed on 29 October, to adopt new legislation making low-sulphur marine fuels mandatory across the region for all vessels from 2020.
The decision means passenger ships will be operating on fuel containing no more than 0.5 per cent sulphur (SO2) a standard consistent with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines.
A phased introduction means fuels used in SO2 Emission Control Areas (SECAs) may contain up to 1 per cent sulphur until 31 December 2014, but this will drop to 0.1 per cent on 1 January 2015, while passenger ships outside SECAs may continue operating with fuel containing 1.5 per cent sulphur until the same date.
In line with IMO’s International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the new EU directive requires member states to ensure the appropriate marine fuels will be available.
To minimise any negative impact of industry competitiveness as a result of the new standard, such as a transport shift from sea to land, member states may provide operators with state aid, as long as this complies with state aid rules and MARPOL.
Further, fines for flouting the new rules should be at least equivalent to any benefit gained by not complying to ensure the directive is implemented effectively, the Council of the European Union said in a written statement.
Marine fuels are currently capped at 3.5 per cent mass sulphur content, for any passenger vessel operating within the member states’ region.