Starting from September 1, 2018, Chinese-flagged and imported vessels employed in the domestic market will be required to comply with NOx Tier II emission limits, China’s Ministry of Transport announced on Tuesday.
Tier II/III standards were introduced by amendments to Annex VI adopted in 2008, imposing new fuel quality requirements in 2011, Tier II and III NOx emission standards for new engines and requirements of NOx Tier I for existing engines prior to 2000.
This decision is announced as part of the country’s efforts to improve the quality of its waterway transport and reduce air pollution.
The ministry said the measure will be in effect for five years and relevant inspection and maritime agencies will carry out regular checks on Chinese and international vessels to ensure the requirements are met.
Earlier this year, China announced that it planned to stop allowing recycling of international ships in its yards from the start of 2019.
The move follows China’s efforts to crack down on polluting and waste-producing industries in the country, which has seen many yards denied their ship recycling licenses.
Ships flying the Chinese flag may continue to be dismantled in Chinese shipyards, but the Chinese government will no longer grant subsidies to the industry, as decided last year.
The decision is expected to reduce global capacity for environmentally friendly ship recycling, despite continued efforts by Indian shipyards to comply with the Hong Kong Convention. Therefore, owners should start taking these yards more seriously in addition to those in Turkey.
The source: World Maritime News
