Heavy Sulfur Bunker Fuel banned in Duchies and Baltic Canal
A campaign by environmental organisations and scientists has succeeded with the successful passing of a new law in United Duchies. The new law will prevent ships running on heavy sulfur bunker fuel otherwise known and heavy sulfur fuel oil from docking in the United Duchies, using Duchies waters or passing through the Baltic Canal from 2025 onwards. All companies serving United Duchies or passaging to the Caspian will have to use LNG, Electric based ships or other fuel sources in order to pass through United Duchies waters or dock in the ports.
The same act will also heavily limit sewage discharges to emergency situations only and limit fuel dropping to emergency situations. The moves designed to protect the environment have been met with concern by the shipping companies however it is believed they have already mostly converted to LNG or dual mode ships and can adjust operations in order to meet the new regulations of operating in Duchies waters. The move is believed to have been made to address concerns and arguments over the impact of the shipping industry on the seas but also have been done to get ahead of the future of shipping and encourage ship building and rebuilding in the United Duchies to future proof fleets. There is concerns this will raise the cost of shipping but so far LNG ships have proved economically viable.The act also mandates that if Duchies is the start or end destination of a voyage the ship should be checked for Algae and washed if it is practical to do so to aid in the avoidance of algae blooms elsewhere in Europe and indeed at home in Duchian or Caspian waters.