[20180806]IF10945_海上燃料法规.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov August 6, 2018Maritime Fuel RegulationsOn January 1, 2020, new, more stringent maritime emission regulations are scheduled to take effect for all ocean-going vessels. Implementing major industry regulatory reform can cause uncertainty and market disruption. As a result, investment plans and market supply and demand might be affected, leading to rapid price changes. The International Maritime Organization The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a 171-member United Nations agency that, among other things, sets maritime fuel standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) participates on the U.S. delegation to the IMO. The Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is a group of member nations within the IMO that is responsible for the prevention of maritime pollution. Maritime pollution standards are promulgated in the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, a treaty designated “MARPOL.” Specifically, Annex VI of the treaty defines air pollution requirements for engines and vessels. Air pollution standards under MARPOL were first adopted in 1997 and became enforceable in 2005. Those standards specifi