A key IMO measure helping shipping secure its environmental sustainability is the forthcoming reduction in the global upper limit of permissible sulphur content in ships' fuel oil. The first of January 2020 has been set as the date for a significant reduction in the sulphur content of the fuel oil used by ships, to 0.50%, from the 3.5% limit.
“This is another landmark decision for both the environment and for human health. It demonstrates a clear commitment by IMO Member States to ensuring shipping meets its environmental obligations,” said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (31 May) (full speech). Looking ahead to the so-called “Sulphur 2020” limit, Mr. Lim emphasized the important thing now is to ensure consistent implementation of the requirement. IMO is currently developing relevant implementation guidelines which will look at a range of issues. These include the impact on fuel and machinery systems resulting from new fuel blends or fuel types, including the safety aspects, and issues surrounding mechanisms for verification and control.
Mr. Lim also addressed other key recent IMO achievements, including the adoption, in April, by IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee of an Initial Strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, which has been acclaimed as a development of historic global significance. The event was also addressed by Cyprus’ President, H.E. Mr. Nicos Anastasiades.