INTERCARGO raises IMO 2020 safety concern

With 1 Jan 2020 less than five and a half months away, INTERCARGO expresses its growing concern in view of the magnitude of challenge lying ahead for the industry and the need for a smooth transition.
With 1 January 2020 less than five and a half months away, INTERCARGO expresses its growing concern in view of the magnitude of 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.
The requirement for the sulphur content of fuel oil used by ships operating outside designated emission control areas not to exceed 0.50% as of 1 January 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 unfavourable terms for voluntary early testing by ships.
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.
In anticipation of the new fuels made available for practical testing aboard ships well before the end of 2019, it is urged 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
*Charterers/operators start purchasing these fuels
*the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) related to the 0.50% limit is made available as soon as possible to provide guidance on the application of the existing ISO 8217 specification for marine fuels
*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.
Make seafaring great again

Make seafaring great again

An overwhelming 80 percent of global goods are transported by ships and this fact places the maritime industry at the

The best maritime news and insights delivered to you.

subscribe maritime fairtrade

Here's what you can expect from us:

  • Event offers and discounts
  • News & key insights of the maritime industry
  • Expert analysis and opinions on corruption and more