04JUN2019 - NEWS - Marshall Islands to police IMO infraction case-by-case, FONAR is not a waiver

The Marshall Islands, the world's second largest ship registry, will adhere to official guidance on how to police non-compliance with the upcoming 0.5pc sulphur cap on marine fuels.

The Marshallese registry said it will consider infraction on a case-by-case basis, in line with guidance from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which has set a sulphur limit for marine fuels of 0.5pc globally from 1 January, 2020. The IMO has said it will be down to flag states to ensure shipowners comply with the rule, and its guidelines allow flag states' flexibility on what to do in the result of an infringement, including taking no action.

The Marshall Islands does not intend to have a set list of fines and actions for non-compliance. Actions could include seizure of a vessel or requiring a reapplication for various types of maritime certification.

The Marshallese registry has said fuel oil non-availability report (Fonar), which can be completed when a vessel is unable to obtain compliant fuels, is not a waiver.

Published by Editor - www.Livebunkers.com at 04-Jun-2019 03:33:46 [UTC] , contact editor at editor@livebunkers.com