Ban on Heavy Fuel Oil in the Arctic Comes into Effect
On July 1, 2024, an international ban on the use of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in the Arctic will come into effect. Danish Shipping supports the ban, which includes a transitional arrangement that gives shipping companies time to adapt while simultaneously protecting the Arctic from oil spills.
From July 1, 2024, it will no longer be permissible for ships to sail on Heavy Fuel Oil in the Arctic.
The ban, adopted by the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in June 2021, aims to protect the vulnerable Arctic waters from the risk of oil spills.
With the new ban, it will be illegal for ships to carry HFO as fuel in their tanks in the Arctic. However, the ban includes a transitional arrangement that allows ships with protected fuel tanks to use HFO until 2029.
Danish Shipping has supported the ban from the beginning and praises the initiative.
This ban is a significant step towards protecting the Arctic
"This ban is a significant step towards protecting the Arctic. By allowing ships with protected fuel tanks to continue using HFO until 2029, we ensure that shipping can adapt to the new rules in a practical and responsible manner while simultaneously protecting the fragile environment in the Arctic," says Nina Porst, Director of Climate, Environment, and Safety at Danish Shipping.
The transitional provision applies to ships built after 2010 that meet the international MARPOL regulations with protected fuel tanks. These ships are designed with an extra protective barrier around their fuel tanks, significantly reducing the risk of oil spills in the event of an accident.
However, there are ships built before 2010 that meet the same design requirements. Danish authorities have chosen to include these ships in the transitional provision, a decision supported and advocated by Danish Shipping.
Facts:
Heavy Fuel Oil is a thick, heavy fuel oil used in shipping. It is a residual product from the distillation of crude oil and has a high sulfur content.
HFO is highly polluting and can cause severe environmental damage in the event of a spill. It is difficult to break down and can harm marine ecosystems and wildlife.
In June 2021, the IMO adopted a ban on the use of HFO in the Arctic, which comes into effect on July 1, 2024. A transitional arrangement has been introduced for certain ships, allowing the use of HFO until 2029 under strict safety measures.