A number of reports have already been published on the implementation of the new sulphur rules and the risks of a modal backshift, but have mainly been based on forecasts.
“As we get closer to the entry into force of the new rules it becomes vital to move to fact-based analyses and take stock of what is actually happening in the market” pointed out Patrick Verhoeven, ECSA Secretary-General.
They survey was suggested at the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF), a multi-stakeholder platform set up by the European Commission to assess the developments towards compliance with the new requirements, exchange best practices and provide overall co-ordination.
“We strongly encourage ship operators to take part in this survey as it is very important to get an accurate picture of the situation before and after the entry into force of the new sulphur rules” commented Mr Verhoeven.
The survey is addressed to ship operators who are wholly or partly active in the European SECAs and will be repeated on a quarterly basis throughout 2015. Reponses to the survey will act as a source of information for the Commission, which has to closely monitor the impact of the shipping sector’s compliance with the new fuel quality standards.
European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) is now encouraging ship operators active in the SECAs to complete the survey, which will be running until 30 November.
