From 1 October, a new regulatory amendment will come into effect which requires cruise ships calling to use low sulphur fuel (01% of less) while berthed in Sydney Harbor.
A second stage of the amended regulation, which will require the use of low sulphur fuel (0.1% or less) while in Sydney Harbour (including while berthed) will come into effect from 1 July 2016.
Exceptions from the requirement to use low sulphur fuel are provided in some circumstances, for example, ship safety and emergency situations or technical problems. Ships may seek approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to use alternative methods to achieve an equivalent reduction in sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions, for example, the use of exhaust scrubbers.
Public consultation on the draft Regulation amendment was held in June 2015. Further consultation will be undertaken with communities in regional NSW ports about the broader application of the low sulphur fuel requirements.
The NSW Government is also assessing possible options for reducing emissions from the broader shipping sector in NSW waters.
For further details or information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com