Technical Circular No: 006/2023

Subject: Prohibition on the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic waters.

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1. IMO vide Resolution MEPC. 329 (76) prohibits the use and carriage for use of specified heavy fuel oils (oils, other than crude oils, having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s) as fuel by ships in Arctic waters with effect from 01 July 2024.

2. For ships meeting certain construction standards with regard to oil fuel tank protection (to which either Regulation 12A of MARPOL Annex I or Regulation 1.2.1 of Chapter 1 of Part II-A of the Polar Code applies), however, the carriage and use of such heavy fuel oils as fuel in Arctic waters will be prohibited starting on 1 July 2029.

3. The carriage of heavy fuel oil as cargo is not prohibited by this resolution.

4. Owners/operators and masters of vessels operating in Arctic waters are advised to be guided by above and ensure compliance. Enclosure: 1. IMO Resolution, MEPC. 329 (76).

Enclosure:

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority. 

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