What does this mean for Tasmania?
The new regulations will improve the air quality of our ports and local communities around Tasmania. To achieve this new standard, vessels visiting our ports will be using a variety of methods including switching to low sulphur fuels or operating exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as ‘scrubbers’.
Scrubbers remove sulphur oxides from the ship’s engine and boiler exhaust gases thus enabling vessels to continue using heavy fuel oil.
In use, some scrubbers can produce steam as a
by-product which is then released into the atmosphere through the vessel’s
exhausts. In some instances, this may look like excessive smoke.
The relevant regulatory body responsible for checking compliance with this sulphur limit is the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Each year AMSA inspects around 3000 ships of all types in Australian ports through a regime known as Port State Control to ensure that ships comply with relevant international conventions and requirements.
In addition, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) monitor local air quality in the Port of Hobart, providing live data via its website. This ensures the public has access to real-time data on sulphur dioxide levels. Air quality monitoring data for Hobart is available here.
Find more information and keep up to date with the latest information about air-pollution requirements here.
A list of compliance checks completed by AMSA on cruise ships that are visiting Tasmania can be found below.