LONDON, March 27 (Reuters) - Britain has suspended checks on
ships for compliance with low sulphur fuel regulations as part
of wider measures that cut back on inspections to reduce the
impact of the coronavirus outbreak on supply chains, the
coastguard authority said on Friday.
The coronavirus has created growing logistical problems for
freight as countries try to keep goods moving despite lockdown
in many parts of the world.
At the start of the year, regulations came into effect -
known as MARPOL Annex VI - that make it mandatory for ships to
use fuel with a sulphur content of 0.5%, down from 3.5%
previously, or to install devices, known as scrubbers, that
strip out the toxic pollutant.
Enforcement of the rules, which have shaken up oil and
shipping markets, is up to port and flag states.
Britain's suspension of the checks is one of first
indications of the challenges in enforcing the IMO regulations
posed by the spread of the coronavirus.
Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which is
responsible for maritime regulation, safety and
counter-pollution, said it has enacted measures to keep freight
moving.
"In terms of enforcing IMO 2020 and ultimately MARPOL Annex
VI requirements, as we have suspended port state control
inspections, this also means that the checking of compliant fuel
has been suspended," an MCA spokeswoman said, referring to the
regulations, which were enacted by United Nations shipping
agency the IMO.
"However, as a responsible regulator, we are continuing to
monitor vessels that call at UK ports. If, as a result of
reviewing information sent to us, we think it's appropriate, we
will inspect those vessels."
The MCA said it had suspended ship survey and inspection
activity, and relaxed rules such as extensions on ship
certificates - all needed to enter ports.
"While we can't compromise on safety, there are a number of
temporary measures we have and are taking to ensure shipping
doesn't come to a standstill and seafarers can keep working,"
Katy Ware, MCA director of maritime safety and standards, said
in a statement this week.
(Reporting by Jonathan Saul; editing by Barbara Lewis)