2020 sulphur fuel limit

From 1 January 2020 all vessels must use fuel that contains no more than 0.50 per cent sulphur.

While heavy fuel oils used by larger vessels contain higher sulphur levels, most diesel and petrol sold in Australia as marine fuel already contains less than 0.50 per cent.

Checking your fuel’s sulphur content

If you aren’t sure about the sulphur content of your fuel, check with your supplier.

If your vessel is 400 gross tonnage or above, your supplier must give you a bunker delivery note with each fuel delivery which includes the sulphur content of your fuel.

Your supplier also needs to be registered with AMSA.

Carrying fuel with a sulphur content above the limit

In addition to the 1 January 2020 sulphur limit, from 1 March 2020 fuel with a sulphur content of more than 0.50 per cent sulphur cannot be carried on board.

This doesn’t apply to fuel carried as cargo.

To find out more about the changes, visit amsa.gov.au/air-pollution