INTERCARGO Raises Sulfur Cap Safety Concerns

With January 1, 2020 less than five and a half months away, INTERCARGO has expressed its growing concern in view of the magnitude of the challenge lying ahead for the industry and the need for a smooth transition.

The global availability of safe compliant fuels remains a key question largely unanswered, says the industry organization. “The requirement for the sulfur content of fuel oil used by ships operating outside designated emission control areas not to exceed 0.50 percent as of January 1, 2020 marks a sea change in the marine fuels’ supply chain. It is extremely worrying that compliant fuels have so far been made available only in a limited number of ports and under unfavorable terms for voluntary early testing by ships, as charterers/operators are not currently obliged to purchase future compliant fuel. 

“Hence, the practical testing of new fuels and crew training, which is only possible under real conditions aboard ships, is very limited and pushed to the end of year. This situation creates significant safety implications for the operation of ships, which could eventually threaten the safety of seafarers, ships and cargoes, as well as the marine environment.”

INTERCARGO recommends that:

• the fuel supply industry provides the market with significant volumes of compliant fuels at many ports around the world, so that all sectors can be serviced, including the dry bulk sector

• the charterers/operators start purchasing these fuels

• the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) related to the 0.50 percent limit is made available as soon as possible to provide guidance on the application of the existing ISO 8217 specification for marine fuels

• the ship owners/operators enhance crew training. 

“Seafarers deserve our special consideration, as the industry will largely rely on their skills for managing the new compliant fuels aboard ships on the high seas to ensure a smooth implementation of this drastic change,” says INTERCARGO.