China - Emission Control Areas - Update

Further to the Club’s news article of 16 December 2015 concerning the introduction of emission control areas in China, the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration has announced that the use of low sulphur fuel by vessels at a berth will be mandatory in Yangtze River Delta ports from 1 April 2016.

Vessels calling at Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Nantong, and Suzhou port including Zhanjiagang, Changshu and Taicang will 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, (taken as being either at anchor or alongside, with an allowance of one hour after arrival, and one hour prior to departure for fuel oil change over.)

Further details can be found in the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration's Announcement on Implementing Ship Emission Control Areas in Shanghai Port.

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