China cites two ships for IMO 2020 violations

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China cites two ships for IMO 2020 violations

The Standard P&I Club says that it has received reports that since 1 January 2020 there have been two separate ships in Chinese waters that have been found to be using fuel non-compliant with IMO 2020 sulfur limits.

The first ship was under a port state control inspection in Qingdao China when the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) verified the use of fuel oil with a sulfur content of 0.6777% mm.

The second ship was berthed in Xiamen when the MSA cited it with burning non-compliant fuel, reports the Standard Club The ship had been at berth nearly six days after changing over to compliant fuel. However, it is likely that previous high sulfur fuel residue remained in the engine fuel system resulting in emissions over the China ECA limit. The ship was ordered to take effective measures to purify the fuel system.

It is not clear yet whether the MSA will fine the ships as a result of the infractions, says the Standard Club. Under the Chinese implementation plan for IMO 2020, the MSA will handle infractions in accordance with China’s Atmospheric Pollution Prevention and Control Law. Article 106 of this law provides that ships can be fined no less than RMB10,000 (approximately US $1,445) but no more than RMB100,000 (approximately US $14,452).