REGULATION

Israel brings in 0.1% sulphur cap

4 years ago

Pre-empting moves to establish a low emissions zone in the Mediterranean, Israel is bringing forward requirements for ships calling at the country’s ports to burn fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.10%. The new rules will enter force on 23 February 2023.

The introduction of the 0.1% sulphur cap, requiring vessels to use fuels with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% or alternatively use an exhaust gas cleaning system to limit SOx emissions brings, aligns Israel with EU standards for emissions at berth.

The adoption of a Mediterranean sulphur emission control area (SECA) was confirmed at MEPC 79 in December 2022. However, the Mediterranean-wide SECA covering SOx and particulate matter emissions will not take effect until 1 May 2025.