BIMCO Urges for Robust Enforcement of Sulphur Limits

The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) is calling on governments to exercise “robust” enforcement of sulphur limits applicable to ships operating in Emission Control Areas in order to ensure that the industry is operating at a high level of compliance.

Following discussion at the Council’s recent board meeting, BIMCO President John Denholm described this position as crucial to maintaining a level playing field for shipping companies operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and ensuring that compliant companies were not left at a disadvantage.

“The maritime industry will shortly experience an unprecedented rise in operating costs as countries bordering ECAs implement very low limits for sulphur content in the fuel oils used by ships,” Denholm said calling the governments of these countries to exercise robust enforcement of applicable sulphur limits. “Failure to do so would seriously expose compliant shipowners and operators who are bearing the high cost of ultra-low sulphur diesel oil,” he added.

Press Release