From 1st January 2017, all the key ports (i.e. Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Huanghua, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Suzhou and Nantong ) within the three China ECAs will implement the low sulphur bunker requirements. Please see attached and below the latest circular published by Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd:
All the key ports within three ECAs in China are going to implement the low sulphur fuel requirement as from 01.01.2017.
Representation Image – Credits: IMO Collection/flikr.com
Reference is made to our previous circular No.1510 on ECA issue in China, wherein we advised that MOT issued a new regulation on setting of three ECAs. Subsequently, we issued circular No. 1605 and No.1608 for introducing the implementation of low sulphur fuel requirement at key ports in Yangtze ECA and Shenzhen port in Pearl ECA.
As the deadline for implementing the low sulphur requirement in all key ports in the three ECAs are approaching, in order to remind owners to make appropriate preparation, we hereby summarize an overall timetable for implementing the low sulphur fuel in three ECAs in China for owner’s reference as follows:
| Time | Sulphur Content Requirement | Applicable Area | Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| From 01.04.2016 | ≤0.5%m/m | Key ports in Yangtze Delta ECA, including Shanghai, Ningbo -Zhoushan, Suzhou, Nantong; | Berthing period excluding one hour after berthing and one hour before departure; |
| From 01.10.2016 | ≤0.5%m/m | Shenzhen Port | Berthing period excluding one hour after berthing and one hour before departure; |
| From 01.01.2017 | ≤0.5%m/m | All Key ports with three ECAs, including Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Huanghua, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Suzhou and Nantong | Berthing period excluding one hour after berthing and one hour before departure; |
| From 01.01.2018 | ≤0.5%m/m | All ports within ECAs | Whole berthing period |
| From 01.01.2019 | ≤0.5%m/m | Whole area of ECAs | Whole period when the ship is in the ECAs |
Reference: ukpandi.com
For Hong Kong port, Berthing period, in relation to vessel, means the period from the moment the vessel is securely anchored or moored at a berth to the moment the vessel is untied from its berth.
A berth means a place in the waters of Hong Kong at which the vessel is not underway.
This is a clear guideline.
Can you please provide me with a concrete guideline for the China ECA regarding ‘Berthing period’ and their meaning of Berth.
Is anchoring included when we say vessel is ‘Berthed’ ?
For Shanghai, anchoring is not included. How about other ports?
Thank you much, Sirs
R. Toga Jr.