IMO: Ban on Heavy Fuel OIl in the Antarctic

A ban on heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic will enter into force on 1 August. The ban is contained in an amendment to MARPOL (Resolution MEPC.189(60), 26 March, 2010), with a new chapter on "Special requirements for the use or carriage of oils in the Antarctic area." The effect of the new chapter is to prohibit the use of heavy fuel oils by ships transiting the Antarctic area, which will have to switch to higher grade fuels while in the area.