The last week or so has been both busy and interesting in the sulphur arena. The systems installed on Messina Line’s new build ferries were announced and Sweden and Finland have suggested that the 2015 ECA limit change will “disadvantage” their shipping.
The main thrust of the objections from Sweden and Finland seemed to be the absence of LNG bunkering facilities in the Baltic. This seems an odd position to take as LNG is far from the only solution and indeed in the eyes of many is likely to be a minority option given the carbon dis-benefit of LNG.
Finnish Green MEP Satu Hassi on the other hand is proposing that the 0.1% sulphur in fuel limit is extended to include all EU territorial waters, addressing the inequity in application between the North and South of Europe. She disputes claims that the industry has made that only a minority of ships are suitable for the retrofit of scrubbing equipment. Certainly our experience is that we have yet to find a ship to which our equipment definitely could not be fitted.
We will see how the debate develops in 2012, but in the meantime would wish everyone a peaceful and happy holiday season.