Paris, Tokyo MoUs to Start Warning Ships of 2020 Sulphur Cap Compliance

The maritime authorities of the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will start issuing a letter of warning on the sulphur content of marine fuels from January 1, 2019.

To be issued during inspections, the letters are expected to increase awareness of and encourage timely compliance with the new requirements.

The requirement of the maximum sulphur content of 0,5% m/m for marine fuel oil will enter into force on January 1, 2020, which is known as the global 2020 sulphur cap. The implementation of the global 2020 sulphur cap will have considerable implications on ship operators, the fuel oil supply chain and the industry as a whole.

For the purpose of facilitating smooth and consistent implementation of the global 2020 sulphur cap, the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda will carry out a joint information campaign by issuing a letter of warning to ships during inspections in 2019.

As explained, the aim is to increase awareness of the ships’ crew and companies of the matter and to remind and encourage compliance with Regulations 14 (*1,*2) and 18 of MARPOL Annex VI from January 1, 2020.

The letter of warning will be issued to ships found not yet ready for compliance with the relevant requirements that will enter into force at the beginning of 2020.