As of 1 October 2018, ships operating in China’s Yangtze River Delta domestic ECA can no longer use fuel with a sulphur content exceeding 0.5%, unless an approved exhaust gas cleaning system is installed.
03 SEP 2018
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The Chinese regional authorities of Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces have issued formal notices stating that ships calling at the provinces’ ports on or after 1 October 2018 will be required to use fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% while navigating and berthing within the provinces’ waters and port areas.
According to Gard’s correspondent Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd., the authorities’ recent notices signify an earlier than expected start of a 0.5% sulphur cap in the Yangtze River Delta ECA and amend the original timeline as follows:
The correspondent states that ships may use exhaust gas cleaning systems or other alternative means to meet the emission control requirements. In addition, the authorities emphasise that, in ports where shore power is available, ships with shore connection capabilities must use them while at berth. See our correspondent’s circular PNI1814 of 31 August 2018 and PNI1815 of 12 September 2018 for further details.
An information bulletin from China Classification Society (CCS), which further clarifies the content of the formal notices issued by the Chinese regional authorities, is available HERE.
Background
China designated the Pearl River and Yangtze River Deltas, and Bohai-rim Waters as domestic emission control areas (ECA) in 2015 and announced a gradual implementation of the requirements concerning emissions of air pollutants from ships. The Chinese Maritime Safety Administration’s original implementation plan, including details on the geographical extent of the three domestic ECAs, is available HERE. Reference is also made to our alerts of 2 September 2016 and 21 September 2017 for additional guidance on the regulation and its enforcement.
Recommendations
Members and clients with vessels trading to Chinese ports are advised to note the above and instruct their ships accordingly. To avoid any delay or penalty being incurred by the ship, owners and operators should:
We are grateful to Gard’s correspondent Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd. for providing this information.