MTCC Caribbean Team and workshop participants with IMO Regional Adviser, Mr. Colin Young and industry representatives, Mr. Collin Piper and Mr. Namdeo Maharaj

A "Targeted Training Workshop on the IMO's Global 2020 Sulphur Cap" was hosted by The Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre Caribbean (MTCC Caribbean) on February 12th, 2020, at The University of Trinidad and Tobago's (UTT), Chaguaramas Campus. The MTCC Caribbean is one of four MTCCs comprising the Global MTCC Network (GMN) project, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The University of Trinidad and Tobago is the host institution of MTCC Caribbean.

The Global 2020 Sulphur Cap targets the reduction of sulphur oxides (Sox) which are known to have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. It came into effect on January 1st 2020 and limits the use of fuel oil to a 0.5% sulphur limit on all sizes of ships. The workshop addressed all aspects of the 2020 sulphur cap, inclusive of the

• Origin and effects of Sulphur dioxides from ships fuel
• Background of MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 14
• Industry options for removing SOx from emissions and lowering Sulphur content in fuel
• Sulphur regulations compliance using existing management systems
• Verification of compliance from an operators perspective
• Consequences of non-compliance from Port, Coastal and Flag State perspectives

The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram, Captain Sukhjit Singh, Mr. Stephan Nanan with active support from the technical secretariat consisting of Ms. Sarita Mahabir, Ms. Suzette Balkaran, Mr. Tevin Parris and Mr. Michael Razack. The workshop, specifically targeted seafarers from

the Caribbean maritime sector and was attended by over fifty (50) participants at UTT Chaguaramas Campus. The event was also streamed live. Roundtable discussions provided the means for valuable input from industry and regulator representatives such as Mr. Collin Young, IMO's Regional Maritime Adviser, Mr. Collin Piper, Paria Fuel Trading Company, Mr. Namdeo Maharaj, Analytical Technologies Ltd. Insights into challenges with obtaining compliant fuel, creating and utilising blended fuels and technical guidance on compliance with sulphur cap requirements, was gained.

The audience actively participated in generating the following action items to progress the maritime agenda and enforcement of the 2020 Sulphur Cap in the local maritime sector:

• Formation of a committee between Maritime Services Division, the Institute of Marine Affairs and the Environmental Management Authority to examine the effects of open loop scrubbers on the environment
• Utilise the Trinidad and Tobago Merchant Officers Association to lobby for maritime policy reform
• Targeting entrepreneurial activities for sustaining the work of the MTCC Caribbean
• An appeal was made to industry and regulator representatives present to do their parts to progress the sector
• Improved awareness of the methods of dissemination of circulars to keep up to date with new requirements

The workshop provided the sector representatives in attendance with a good understanding of the requirements and issues involved in compliance and enforcement of IMO's Sulphur Cap regulations.