24APR2019 - NEWS - New Zealand Shipping Industry warns of uncertainty and confusion if IMO2020 implemented

The shipping industry is warning of uncertainty and confusion when a global push for cleaner fuel hits New Zealand. The government is consulting on whether it should sign up to the sixth part of the agreement, reducing air pollution and lowering carbon emissions. It's one of just a few countries yet to sign up to annex VI of the Marpol agreement.

But those in the industry say the change will make it hard for shipping operators to know if the right fuel will be available at foreign ports.

The Shipping Federation's Annabel Young is certain the government will adopt the addition. Regardless of whether it does or not, ships that are signed up to it will be all over the world, and coming into New Zealand. When it does come into play on 1 January 2020 there could be confusion about what fuels will be available, and where. 

"The system of fuel works on the basis that everybody knows where they can pick up fuel and what fuel they'll be able to pick up. "The concern is that after Marpol right around the world no one quite knows what fuel will be available, and where it will be available from."

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said it intended to talk to fuel suppliers in the lead-up to the Marpol Annex VI coming into effect next January. A decision on whether New Zealand will sign up is yet to be made.

Published by Editor - www.Livebunkers.com at 24-Apr-2019 07:06:55 [UTC] , contact editor at editor@livebunkers.com