The 0.1% sulphur in fuel requirement as from 1 January 2015 in SECAs

In October 2008 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a set of amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention which, among other things, strengthened the requirements on the permitted sulphur levels in ships‟ fuels. The amendments provide for a progressive reduction of the sulphur content of marine fuels as follows: from 1 January 2012the global sulphur cap will be reduced, first to 3.50% (from the current 4.50%) and then, subject to a feasibility review to be completed no later than 2018, progressively to 0.50 % from 1 January 2020 (or in 2025 at the latest). In „Sulphur Emission Control Areas‟ (SECAs),requirements are more stringent.
1 As from 1 July 2010, the maximum sulphur limit has been reduced to 1.00%, (from 1.50%), while from 1 January 2015, the limit will be further reduced to 0.10%.

Source: Europa