Maxim Sokolov suggests introducing a grace period for compliance with 2020 0.5% global sulphur cap
When speaking at the IMO Assembly session, Maxim Sokolov, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, suggested introducing a grace period for transition to low-sulphur fuel. According to the Minister’s report (available at IAA PortNews), the decision on 0.5% global sulphur cap which comes into effect from 2020 is an example of decisions implementation of which is not always obvious.
“When the decision was taken and now, when it is about to come into effect, it is not clear if full compliance is possible. Experts’ forecasts about the deficit of low-sulphur fuel are unfavorable. In this context, the issue of the necessity to introduce a so called grace period can be raised again. Such a period could ensure a smooth transition to a new fuel standard. Cases of IMO circulars and resolutions addressed to port states and calling on taking a so called ‘pragmatic approach’ when enforcing new vessel control requirements have become more frequent since the compliance with the new requirements is not possible for a variety of reasons. We believe that the possibility of compliance with new requirements by a deadline should be thoroughly evaluated before new requirements are approved,” said Maxim Sokolov.
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