International Maritime Organisation's recent ruling on protection of environment will hit ship owners, says Shipping Gazette quoting a report in The Container Shipping Manager. When the ship owners are already upset with the oil price touching $500 per tonne, they may come under even more pressure if the price touches $750 per tonne, the report says. IMO's recent amendment to the Marine Pollution Convention Annex (MARPOL) V I requires ship owners to reduce the sulphur content of the fuel used in running the ships. This is aimed at reducing sulphur emissions near coastal areas as these emissions are linked to numerous health and environmental problems for the people living near the coasts. Currently the heavy fuels used by the shipping lines produce large quantities of sulphur oxide particles, which are linked to the respiratory problems, acid rain, plant and water damage, reduced visibility and erosion of the building materials, the report adds. |
