Previously considered options
Previously considered options can be summarised as follows:
A) Retain current status quo on sulphur levels prescribed by Marpol Annex VI, with continued support of abatement technology, irrespective of sulphur level.
B) Introducing tighter sulphur specifications at global and localised SECA level, with potential introduction of additional control areas - estimated timeline by 2010-2015.
C) Introduction of a global distillate specification with sulphur cap of 1% (referred to as Intertanko proposal) - estimated timeline by 2012.
D) Replacement of current SECAs, with other region where emissions are limited to 0.4 g SOx/kWh within 200 miles from coast. Inclusion of PM regulation within the same framework (referred to as the US proposal) – estimated timeline by 2011.
E) Global cap reduction on sulphur from 4.5% to 3% (2012) and 1.5% (2016). While distillate use will be adopted for SECAs, ports and estuaries, with applicable limit of 1% sulphur (2011) and 0.5% (2015). Scrubbing continues to be allowed as alternative to fuel quality. (referred to as the BIMCO proposal).