- Revised Annex VI 'not enough' for CaliforniaFeedback on news: Doubts that US accession to MARPOL Annex VI would stop California from pursuing its own sulphur reduction regulations. (25th April 2008) Full Story
- Adam Dupre
Ocean Intelligence Pte. Ltd.
GMT 03:57
28th Apr 2008Hi Unni, a question. The current world-wide limit of 4.5% sulphur, about to be changed by revised Annex VI applies in all signatory countries to the agreement - right? I.e. all ships must burn fuel less than 4.5% sulphur while at and while sailing from/to ports in signatory states (less in ECAs of course!). BUT, USA is not a signatory, so is there a huge variety of emission control regulation around the States? with almost no sulphur allowed in California and burn anything you like at other ports???? I'd love to hear. - Unni Einemo
Petromedia Ltd
GMT 17:16
28th Apr 2008
IP: x.x.48.16Hi Adam, interesting question, and one which even bunkering companies operating in the US have had trouble getting a complete handle on.
I am not aware of US rules on S% for fuel oil used in ships' main engines to differentiate it from the global Annex VI limit, though such separate limits are in the pipeline in California as per the article you are referring to (http://www.bunkerworld.com/news/2008/04/71480)
California famously has its own set of standards for fuel used in marine auxiliary engines, but I've not heard of specific limitations in other areas/ports in the US.
There are, however, new US regulations that limits the allowable sulphur content in non-road locomotive and marine diesel fuel (NRLM) to just 500 parts per million (ppm), or 0.05% - a 99% reduction from the previous limit.
They are part of the EPA's Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule, and began to take effect from 2007 in the US Northeast and Maine (NE/MA) area.
Outside the NE/MA area, the 500 ppm sulphur limit for NRLM diesel does not apply until 2010.
It seems to apply only to smaller US-flagged marine vessels operating in US waters, (They do not apply to heavy oils used in Category 2 and 3 marine diesel engines) - but it has created confusion about what fuel sellers are allowed to provide. If you want to read more about this, I'd suggest this article: http://www.bunkerworld.com/news/2007/12/69983 - Guy Wilson-Roberts
Bunkerworld
GMT 17:34
28th Apr 2008
IP: x.x.245.215It's worth splitting hairs to note that the US is a signatory of Annex VI, which was ratified by the Senate in 2006. As such, the US is 'bound' by the provisions of annex.
The implementing legislation, however, is waiting for Senate approval and signature by the President. This legislation will change US law to apply Annex VI limits in the US EEZ, as well as define the respective roles of the US EPA and the Coast Guard in enforcement - as well as allow sulphur limit zones to be set up. Putting Annex VI into action, if you like, is what the US is falling behind on.
Illustrative of the US's ongoing interest in this issue, though, is the leading role its delegation took at the recent IMO discussions to revise Annex VI. - Thanks Unni and Guy - very helpful clarifications!
