Web alert: Air Emissions: Transport Canada publishes bulletin regarding Canadian air emission standard effective 1 Jan 2015

Transport Canada has recently published a bulletin regarding changes to Canadian air emission standards effective 1 January 2015. These changes reflect the implementation of the Low Sulphur Fuel Policy set by the International Maritime Organization. This policy requires every ship operating within designated Emission Control Areas to use fuel with a maximum allowed sulphur content of 0.1%.

Currently, ECAs exist in North Europe, North America and the Caribbean Sea. According to Transport Canada, a range of enforcement options, including detention of ships and penalties, will be introduced in 2015 and will be applied in accordance with the Policy on Compliance and Enforcement of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Alternative compliance options do exist but will require approval by the ship’s administration. Transport Canada will be working in conjunction with agencies in the United States and Europe to ensure consistent enforcement. All ship operators should be advised accordingly. The Transport Canada bulletin is attached.