Ship Owners Team Up to Support Enforcement of Sulfur Regs

With highly stringent sulfur regulations facing shipowners, a universal issue facing those that operate in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) is the enforcement of such rules.

For some, rolling the dice and taking the slap on the wrist if caught in violation is definitely a consideration – vice installing multi-million dollar scrubbers or burning ultra-low sulfur diesel.  This however presents a highly uneven playing field for those who operate in accordance with IMO regulations.

With “the transparent enforcement of current and forthcoming marine sulphur regulations” in mind, shipping companies such as J. Lauritzen have teamed up with other operators to found the Trident Alliance.

“I am pleased that the alliance has been founded and that J. Lauritzen from the beginning is part of this important initiative to work for effective enforcement of sulphur regulations thus securing a level competitive playing field while supporting the environmental benefits intended by the legislators”, says Jan Kastrup-Nielsen, president and CEO of J. Lauritzen.

Other members of the Alliance include Maersk, Stena, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Hoegh Autoliners, Rickmers-Linie, Unifeeder, UECC, Torvald Klaveness, EUKOR Car Carriers Inc. and American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier.

Roger Strevens, VP Environment of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has been elected Chairman of The Trident Alliance.

“Robust enforcement of sulphur regulation is needed for health and the environment and, from the perspective of maintaining a level playing field, it is a business imperative. Already during its formation the Trident Alliance has raised awareness of the current shortcomings of enforcement and related consequences, particularly in the European ECA. Now our work starts in earnest”, says Strevens.

There are a number of ways to conduct enforcement, including such ideas as flying drones through the smoke plumes of ships, however the Alliance is focusing first on communication to raise awareness of the issue, supported by member companies’ transparency on compliance, as well as on initiatives to foster innovation in enforcement technology.

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