Consistent implementation is the only option when it comes to the 2020 0.50% limit on sulphur in fuel oil if ships want to avoid detention or being classed unseaworthy, says the IMO.

Speaking at a conference for the refining and petrochemical industry in Athens, Greece, Edmund Hughes, head of air pollution and energy efficiency at IMO, told delegates that compliance, enforcement and monitoring will be the remit and responsibility of both flag States and port States.

The bunkering industry will also have a part to play in ensuring high sulphur fuel oil continues to be supplied to ships equipped with approved equivalent methods, such as exhaust gas cleaning systems or scrubbers.

How to ensure consistent implementation will be the subject of important discussions at the next session of IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 5), both at its session in February 2018 and during an intersessional working group to be held later in 2018.

Climate talks

Meanwhile, IMO has been at the forefront in participation at the Bonn climate change talks (COP 23), following its report on progress to the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA 47).

Research from the GMN maritime technology project, which has established a network of five regional Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs), presented data from its pilot projects, including data collection on fuel oil consumption on ships.

IMO also participated alongside the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in a special event on actions and progress made by ICAO and IMO in addressing emissions from international aviation and maritime transport.