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Shipowners to Track Low Sulphur Bunker Uptake

November 6th, 2014

European shipowners are to study the impact low sulphur bunker demand will have on the market.

The European Community Shipowner’s Association (ECSA) has launched the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) survey to assess developments towards compliance within the European emission control area (SECA).

The survey, which will be repeated on a quarterly basis throughout 2015, seeks to “exchange best practices and provide overall co-ordination” for ship operators active in the European ECA, according to the association.

“As we get closer to the entry into force of the new rules it becomes vital to move to fact-based analyses and take stock of what is actually happening in the market” pointed out Patrick Verhoeven, ECSA Secretary‑General.

The European ECA comprises the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel – where a 0.10% sulphur limit will be imposed on bunker fuel from January 1, 2015 onwards.