China - Emission Control Areas - Shenzhen

Previously the Club has provided advice on the establishment of three Emission Control Areas in China. Although mandatory emission control requirements are due to enter into force at key ports within the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) on 1 January 2017, the regulations permitted an early introduction of the maximum 0.5% m/m (by weight) fuel oil sulphur limit, or the use of equivalent emission reduction measures.

To date, only the authorities in the Yangtze River Delta have taken advantage of the facility to introduce the regulatory requirements at an earlier date, mandating that vessels would be required to use fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% m/m, or equivalent emission reduction measures, when at a berth, from 1 April 2016.

The authorities in the port of Shenzhen, situated within the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Delta ECA, have now formally announced that vessels will be required to use fuel oil with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% m/m, or equivalent emission reduction measures, from 1 October 2016. Where equivalent measures are to be used, except when using shore power or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), prior permission will need to be obtained from the Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration and the Human Settlements and Environment Commission of Shenzhen Municipality. Further details can be found in the circular issued by the Shenzhen port authorities on the use of low sulphur oil by vessels when berthing at Shenzhen port: English Version / Chinese Version.

Members are reminded that the foregoing low sulphur fuel oil or equivalent emission reduction measures will become mandatory at key ports within the Chinese ECAs in the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Delta and the Bohai Sea which have not elected for early enforcement, from 1 January 2017.

Members requiring further guidance are advised to contact the Loss Prevention department.