Skip to content

IMO 2020

A package of instruments in connection with the Sulphur cap

On 1 January 2020 the global 0.50% limit for the sulphur content in fuel oil agreed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will take effect. In anticipation of this, IMO’S Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has adopted a raft of resolutions addressing various issues surrounding the implementation of the lower Sulphur limit.

Members can download a full briefing, which covers the following topics.  Under each heading, the relevant IMO resolutions and circulars are noted, which are also available for downloading from this page:

  1. Prohibition on the carriage of non-compliant fuel
  2. Implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit
  3. Guidance on the development of a ship implementation plan
  4. Guidance on best practice for fuel oil purchasers, users and suppliers
  5. 2019 Guidelines for Port State Control (PSC) under MAPROL Annex VI,  Chapter 3
  6. 2019 Guidelines for on board sampling for the verification of the Sulphur content of the  fuel oil
  7. Early application of the approved amendments to the verification procedures for a MARPOL Annex VI fuel oil sample
  8. Guidance on indication of ongoing compliance in the case of the failure of a single monitoring instrument, and recommended actions to take if the Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) fails to meet the provisions of the Guidelines
  9. Reporting of data related to fuel oil availability and quality in GISIS to promote greater understanding of the consistent implementation of the 0.50% m/m Sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI
  10. Recommended interim measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of oil fuel

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.