On January 1, 2020, the vessel fleet of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) will be compliant with the new International Maritime Organization (IMO) sulfur regulations, known as IMO 2020. The below information is for ARC’s customers on the new regulations and our actions in response.
WHAT IS IMO 2020?
IMO 2020 is a global regulation that aims to reduce the acceptable sulfur content in marine fuel from the current maximum of 3.5% m/m (mass by mass) to a maximum of 0.5% m/m, except in Emission Control Areas (ECA Zones) where the maximum is already at 0.1%. Beginning January 1, 2020, ships outside ECA Zones will need to use fuel oil with a sulfur content of 0.5% m/m or less. Additional information on this regulation can be found at the IMO website:
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Sulphur-2020.aspx.
WHY IS IMO 2020 IMPORTANT?
IMO 2020 will reduce the amount of sulfur oxides (SOx) emitted as airborne pollutants during the engine combustion process. The cumulative global effect of lower SOx emissions will help improve air quality, human health, and the environment. Ultimately, these new, tighter, more socially responsible regulations will benefit all of society and will put the shipping industry on a path to a more sustainable future. The IMO 2020 regulations will dramatically reduce the industry’s sulfur emissions, delivering great environmental and health benefits, especially for people who live near coastlines and ports.
HOW WILL ARC MEET IMO 2020?
To meet IMO 2020 standards, all of ARC’s vessels will use Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) with a sulfur content that does not exceed 0.5%.
HOW WILL IMO 2020 IMPACT ARC’S CUSTOMERS?
There will be no disruption to either ARC’s customers or their cargo from IMO 2020, other than a potential increase in fuel surcharges. Future fuel prices are unpredictable, but ARC will continue to work to keep our fuel expenditures as minimal as possible.
Source: ARC