Why the IMO’s draft Arctic HFO regulation will not protect the Arctic, and how to fix it
Dr Sian Prior on the problems with the International Maritime Organization's ban on heavy fuel oil in the Arctic - and how it can be rectified.
What can we expect at the 75th Session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee ?
London: November 16-20 2020; As the International Maritime Organization prepares for its first virtual Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting, here's what to expect on issues of relevance to the Arctic:
Heavy Fuel Oil:
- NGOs will draw attention to the inadequate impact and effectiveness of the draft regulation banning the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) by ships in Arctic waters. Recently published work indicates that loopholes in the draft regulation mean that only 30% of HFO carriage and 16% of HFO use would be banned when the regulation comes into effect as proposed in 2024, and incredibly, that it is likely that the amount of HFO carried and used in the Arctic will increase following the ban taking effect.
Black Carbon
- Despite the dramatic changes occuring in the Arctic due to global warming, unfortunately the risk to the Arctic from emissions of black carbon from shipping, is not likely to be addressed at MEPC 75. The Clean Arctic Alliance will however continue to push for the development and adoption of an MEPC Black Carbon resolution which would set out recommended interim measures pending completion of IMO work to identify and implement one or more Black Carbon abatement measures. The best that can be hoped for now will be a commitment from Member States to approve a resolution early in 2021.
