Sulphur

The IMO resolution to limit the sulphur content of maritime fuels to 0.1% in the ECAs (the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel) per 1 January 2015, has received a large amount of national and international attention in 2009. The potential effects on fuel prices –and therefore short sea transport’s competitive potential compared to road transport– in particular have been researched. The studies’ results that have so far become available, indicate significant increases in fuel costs (70-90% increase) as a result of the fuel requirement. Consequently this entails a drastic impairment to short sea transport’s competitive potential. A modal shift from sea to road might even lead to higher external costs (noise, congestions, accidents and the environment). The risk of this happening is a very real one.

The Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management has indicated that a modal shift from sea to road would be very undesirable, and has been closely involved in this issue. The European Commission too, has become concerned and has commissioned its own studies on the matter. The KVNR –through ECSA– will be commenting on the resulting draft study results. The Dutch government has indicated that they are considering further measures, based on the European Commission’s study results. They are actively involved in this matter through the European Transport Council.

Over the course of 2009, the KVNR has provided its membership with information regarding the implementation of the 0.1% sulphur limit in maritime fuels for ships moored in EU ports.
A list of FAQs has been published on the members-only section of the KVNR website. Also available, on the same site, is the current state of affairs pertaining to EU ports, as collated by ECSA.

Position paper KVNR 18 October 2011