From 1 July, Heavy Fuel Oil is Banned in The Arctic

Ocean going vessels are considered a significant contributor to climate change pollution. Starting July 1, some ships in Arctic waters will no longer be allowed to burn or carry heavy fuel oils (HFO), which are the dirtiest fuels on the planet.

However, HFO use and carriage will not be completely banned in the Arctic after 1 July 2024, according to the Clean Arctic Alliance.

A regulation will allow a significant number of ships to continue burning HFO until 1 July 2029 through two separate mechanisms. One regulation includes an exemption for ships that comply with specific fuel tank design requirements. These fuel tank design provisions  essentially require that the fuel tank be separated from the outer shell of the ship by a particular distance.

A second fegulation will allow Arctic coastal nations to issue waivers for ships flying the flag of that nation while operating in waters subject to the sovereignty or jurisdiction of that nation. For example, Canada could grant a waiver for a Canadian flagged vessel to continue using HFO in “Canadian waters.”

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