The World Shipping Council (WSC), BIMCO, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA) have called on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states to fully implement the new global marine fuel sulphur cap – which comes into force from January 1, 2020 – citing concerns about the high cost of compliance and the need for a level international playing field.

“Recent reports suggesting some nations might not fully implement the new rules are disturbing,” said John Butler, president of the World Shipping Council in a joint statement.

“Lack of full implementation would risk undermining improvements to public health and the environment.

“The rules and implementation date for the new sulphur limits are clear and must be enforced.

“We urge any country considering deviation to abandon those ideas and put plans in place to fulfil their enforcement responsibilities – and we encourage the IMO to remind member states of their commitments.”

Angus Frew, secretary-general and CEO of BIMCO, added: “The primary reason to move to low sulphur fuel is to improve air quality. For nations not to implement this regulation is to continue to put at risk the health of their coastal populations.”

Butler concluded: “There is a lot at stake for the IMO community here. This regulation affects vessel operations 24/7/365 everywhere on the planet, and it will be expensive. This will be an important test case for IMO member states to demonstrate that they will exercise the political will to implement and enforce the fuel sulphur limits they have adopted.”