<<In line with the Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, the limits for the
sulphur content of marine fuels used in designated SO2 Emission Control Areas
(SECAs)1 will be 1% until 31 December 2014 and 0.1% as from 1 January 2015.
The IMO standard of 0,5 % for sulphur limits outside SECAs will be mandatory
in EU waters by 2020. This will also be valid for passenger ships operating
outside SECAs to which the current regime of 1,5 % applies until that date. A
general cap does not allow the use of marine fuels with a sulphur content of more
than 3,5 % by mass within member states territory, with the exception of fuels
used by vessels with alternative exhaust gas cleaning systems, the so-called
scrubbers, operating in closed mode. According to the compromise, member states
should endeavour to ensure the availability of the required marine fuels. .......
After the European Parliament adopts its position on first reading, the directive will be
officially adopted by the Council. Member states will have 18 months after the entry into
force of the directive to adopt the necessary national provisions. >>il testo completo del comunicato UE del 23.5 è scaricabile da http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/envir/130351.pdf