LOW-SULPHUR FUEL REGULATIONS FOR CRUISE SHIPS IN SYDNEY HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued the following attached Technical Alert which concerns low-sulphur fuel regulations for cruise ships in Sydney harbour, Australia.

The Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Amendment (Cruise Ships) Regulation 2015 entered into force on 01 October 2015

For the purposes of the Regulation, “cruise ship” means a passenger ship not having a cargo deck, designed exclusively for commercial transportation of over 100 passengers in overnight accommodation on a sea voyage.

From 01 October 2015, cruise ships are required to use low sulphur fuel (0.1% or less) whilst at a berth in Sydney Harbour.
From 01 July 2016, cruise ships whilst within Sydney Harbour boundaries, whether at a berth or not, will be required to use low sulphur fuel (0.1% or less).

Compliance will need to be demonstrated for all fuel consumed on board in main propulsion engines, generator engines and boilers.

Exceptions to the requirement to use low sulphur fuel are provided for cruise ships using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as their primary fuel source, provided that the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is notified at least 48 hours before arrival in Sydney Harbour or if that is not possible, as soon as practicable after that time.