Today, the European Commission announced the establishment of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) in response to the challenges created by the Sulphur Directive, ESPO said in a press release.
The aim of ESSF is to assess the developments towards compliance with the IMO 0.1% sulphur content in marine fuel, which are due to enter into force as from 1st January 2015 in the SECAs (Sulphur Emission Control Areas). Furthermore, with ESSF, the Commission intends to bring together Member States and maritime industry stakeholders in order to enable a structural dialogue, exchange of best practices and coordination, while providing the opportunity to discuss practical issues that could be encountered during the implementation process, in particular during the transition phase before the entry into force of the new standard.
ESSF will operate with the following structure: a plenary, a secretariat, and non-permanent technical working groups to further develop the actions outlined in the Toolbox Progress Report. The forum considers in particular to:
provide guidance on the implementation of the Sulphur Directive;
create the framework conditions for the use of marine LNG as ship fuel;
create the framework conditions for the use of scrubbing technology in shipping
explore and evaluate all the available financing opportunities
coordinate research and development activities and encourage innovation.
The Commission also launched a call for application for the selection of ESSF members. Applications from organisations, which meet the criteria are expected to be sent by 18 October 2013. For this end, ESPO is going to coordinate the ports participation.