The agenda of MEPC 72, which runs from 9-13 April at IMO HQ in London, includes discussion on reducing the risks posed by HFO. In addition, a number of papers have been submitted from member states and NGOs “on the development of measures to reduce risks of use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel by ships in Arctic waters”.
Five briefing papers prepared by Bryan Comer PhD, The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)
The use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) as a marine fuel poses serious environmental and economic risks, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Arctic. Using HFO is risky not only because of potential fuel oil spills, but also because burning it produces harmful air and climate pollutants, including black carbon (BC). As ship traffic increases in the Arctic, the risk to the Arctic environment and its peoples will also increase.
These briefings look at HFO use by flag state, ship type, ship owner, cruise ships, fishing vessels in the IMO Polar Code Arctic, 2015.
The ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven, Germany, have joined an ambitious campaign to ban heavy fuel oil (HFO) from Arctic shipping - along with more than 80 companies, organisations, politicians,NGOs and explorers.
bremenports GmbH & Co. KG, operates the twin ports Bremen and Bremerhaven, which rank as the fourth busiest container port in Europe, and the world’s 16th biggest.