Ban on the use of heavy fuel oil on ships in the Arctic outcome of IMO work

Author: S.A. Tolmachev

 

Abstract

 

The article contains information about main steps of consideration in the IMO working bodies of the topic related to the ban on the use and carriage for use of heavy fuel oil on ships in Arctic waters. The background information of HFO ban for the Arctic in the IMO is supplemented by the description of proposals and impact assessments made, environmental NGOs' role in promoting the ban, the starting points and results of negotiations, as well as the results analysis. The HFO ban has been finally approved as MARPOL Annex I Amendments, whereas the efforts of the Russian Federation have resulted in the 7-year postponement of its implementation compared to the initially proposed schedule. Specific provisions have been introduced into the text to mitigate potential negative social and economic consequences for the Russian Federation provided that national measures taken by the RF in the Arctic ensure the adequate level of protection of marine environment.

 

Keywords: heavy fuel oil (HFO) ban, Arctic waters, MARPOL, IMO, Polar Code, Arctic shipping.

 

References

1.   Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment 2009 Report (AMSA, 2009). Arctic Council, April 2009.

2.   Assessment of the benefits and impacts associated with a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel by ships operating in the Arctic. PPR7/Inf.16

3.   Comments on document PPR7/14/4. PPR7/14/6

4.   Comments on document MEPC75/10/Add.1, paragraph 3.5 on draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I to incorporate a prohibition on the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic waters. MEPC75/10/7 Det Norske Veritas AS, (DNV, 2011), "Report for PAME: Heavy Fuel in the Arctic" Draft language for a ban of use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel by ships in Arctic waters. PPR7/14/4

5.   Impact assessment for a ban on heavy fuel oil use and carriage as fuel by ships in the United States Arctic. PPR7/14/3

 

About author:

 

S.A. Tolmachev - Mission of the Russian Federation to the International Maritime Organization, London, e-mail: tolmachev-s@yandex.ru

Issue: 62/63 (2021)

For citation: S.A. Tolmachev. Ban on the use of heavy fuel oil on ships in the Arctic outcome of IMO work. 2021, No. 62/63, pp. 6-13.

UDC 629.541 - 546, 665.753.5, 341-162

Pp: 6-13