Thursday, July 3, 2008

BIMCO Updates Bunker Emission Clause to Meet MARPOL Annex VI Requirements

From BIMCO
International shipowners’ organisation BIMCO has updated its Standard Fuel Sulphur Content Clause for time charter parties in response to the new MARPOL air pollution regulations that came into force on 19th May. The aim of the Clause is to provide a clearly worded and balanced provision to help owners and charterers comply with the requirements of Regulations 14 and 18 of Annex VI of MARPOL and with the requirements of other regulations relating to fuel sulphur content emission limits.

The new Clause takes stock of the obligations of owners, time charterers and their bunker suppliers under the new MARPOL regime. According to BIMCO “The basic premise of the Clause is that the charterers must provide the vessel with fuels of the necessary sulphur content to allow the vessel to trade within the emission control zones ordered by the charterers”. The charterers are also required to use bunker suppliers that operate in accordance with Regulations 14 and 18 of MARPOL Annex VI. The Clause gives emphasis to the provision of bunker delivery notes and sampling procedures.

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