BIMCO: Sulfur cap “no walk in the park”

IMO's MEPC70 meeting in London

OCTOBER 28, 2016—The world’s largest international shipping association is voicing its concerns over the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee’s plans to implement a global sulfur cap on shipping by January 1, 2020.

In a statement, Lars Robert Pedersen, Deputy Secretary General at BIMCO said:

“BIMCO respects the decision of the MEPC to move ahead and implement the global sulfur cap by (January 1, 2020). We also noted the concerns raised by a number of IMO member states about availability of fuel oil in some regions of the world and the ability of their refineries to respond adequately.”

Continued Pedersen, “BIMCO recognizes that the global sulfur cap implementation is about transition and would have been equally challenging either in 2020 or 2025. The transitional issues have been highlighted and we continue to hold the view that this will not be a “walk in the park”. The decision by the MEPC does not change this view.”

He added, “BIMCO is appreciative of the further decision by the MEPC to recognize the need for effective implementation as suggested by a number of IMO member states and industry organizations including BIMCO. The years leading up to 2020 must now be used effectively to alleviate the consequences of the unprecedented disruptive change in supply of marine fuels by (January 1, 2020) and ensure a continued level playing field in the industry.”