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New and more stringent regulations for the sulphur content in fuels
came into force on 1 January 2015. The maximum limit for sulphur
content in fuels used by vessels sailing inside the Emission Control
Area (ECA) in the North Sea (south of the 62nd parallel) was then
reduced from 1.50 per cent to 0.10 per cent. In the area north of
the 62nd parallel, the maximum limit is 3.50 per cent. In these
areas a separate maximum limit of 0.10 per cent applies when the
vessel is docked.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority undertakes document controls
on board both Norwegian and foreign vessels that call on ports in
Norway. In case of suspected violations or according to other predefined
criteria, the Norwegian Maritime Authority’s inspectors
undertake a physical check of the fuel being used. An initial test is
undertaken using a hand-held scanner, provided that the inspector
has one available. If the scanner indicates an excessive sulphur
content in the fuel, a physical sample of the fuel will be collected
and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This procedure is also used if
the inspector has no hand-held scanner available during the
inspection visit.
The tightening of the rules pertaining to sulphur, enacted in
2015, has made it costlier for ship owners to sail in an emission
control area. The difference in cost between low-sulphur and
high-sulphur fuels can be considerable, and failure to sanction
violations will thus promote competition on unequal terms.
Moreover, these rules are enacted to protect the environment,
which is a common good. Failure on the part of the industry to
comply with the regulations will have considerable negative
effects on the environment.
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