In October 2008, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted revisions to the international regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships (MARPOL Annex VI). The revised regulations included a requirement that, from 1 January 2020, the sulphur content of fuel oil used by ships operating outside designated emission control areas shall not exceed 0.50% by mass, known as "IMO 2020". Reducing emissions of sulphur oxides will bring significant global benefits for human health and the environment.
IMO 2020 will have a major impact worldwide. To support its successful implementation by the international shipping sector, this publication brings together all the instruments and guidance prepared into one document for easy reference, including IMO resolutions and circulars.
In a landmark decision for both the environment and human health, 1 January 2020 has been set as the implementation date for a significant reduction in the sulphur content of the fuel oil used by ships. The decision to implement a global sulphur limit of 0.50% m/m (mass/mass) in 2020 was taken by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the regulatory authority for international shipping, during its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), meeting for its 70th session in London in October 2016. Under the new global limit, ships will have to use fuel oil on board with a sulphur content of no more than 0.50% m/m, against the current limit of 3.50%, which has been in effect since 1 January 2012.
