TIM eMagazine Vol.4 Issue 2
MARINA,
DOE to
promote
green
shipping
industry
Credits : imo.org
T
he Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and
the Department of Energy (DOE) promote a
more sustainable and eco-friendly fuels for
Philippine-registered ships in preparation for the
implementation of the global 0.50% sulphur cap in
2020.
Guided by the International Convention for
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Convention) of the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), the MARINA and DOE discussed
the specifications of the global 0.50% sulphur cap with petroleum industry
stakeholders, oil importers, and shipping industry partners to listen to their
concerns and to prepare for possible challenges that may emerge due to
the new regulation.
Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, which the Philippines has ratified
in 2018, requires all ships in non-emission control area (ECA) zones to set
limit on the sulfur content of fuels from 3.50% to 0.50% by 01 January
2020. To date, the Philippines is a state party to all annexes of the MARPOL
Convention.
MARINA – Shipyards Regulation Service (SRS) Director Engr. Ramon
Hernandez acknowledged stakeholder concerns such as the need for
existing Philippine-registered vessels to undergo retrofitting to be able to
utilize sustainable and eco-friendly fuels.
The MARINA and DOE assured the stakeholders that they will formulate
a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the global 0.50% sulphur
cap in 2020 by identifying other alternative sources of eco-friendly and
affordable fuels, among others.
On 24 May 2019, the MARINA and DOE will meet with the Department
of Finance (DOF), the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) for further collaboration to ensure that the Philippines will be able
to comply with the Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention from 2020 and
beyond.
http://marina.gov.ph/
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