Download PDF

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), at its 70th session in October 2016, agreed to "01 January 2020" as the effective date of implementation for ships to comply with global 0.50% m/m Sulphur content of fuel oil requirement in regulation 14.1.3 of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI and adopted IMO Resolution MEPC.280(70) affirming this decision.

• In this context, the MEPC at its 73rd session in October 2018, agreed that Administrations should encourage ships flying their flag to develop implementation plans, outlining how the ship may prepare in order to comply with the required Sulphur content limit of 0.50% by 01 January 2020. The plan could be complemented with a record of actions taken by the ship in order to be compliant by the applicable date. The MEPC approved guidance on ship implementation planning, issued under IMO Circular MEPC.1/Circ.878, which also includes a template to assist with development of the plan, and supplemental guidance on tank cleaning and impacts on machinery systems.

• While a ship implementation plan (SIP) is not a mandatory requirement, it is strongly recommended that owners and operators utilize the ship implementation planning guidance in IMO Circular MEPC.1/Circ.878 as a tool to identify any potential fuel-related issues that may need to be addressed by the ship in preparation for and when implementing the 0.50% Sulphur limit requirement.

• Ship owners /operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:

• IMO Resolution MEPC.280(70) (Adopted on 28 October 2016)

• IMO MEPC.1/Circ.878 dated 9 November 2018

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

 Download PDF